'He Knows Who the Boss Is': Trump Hints at Upcoming White House Meeting with Netanyahu

Washington: US President Donald Trump revealed on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a White House meeting, which could take place as early as next week. Despite recent reports of friction over Middle East policy, Trump insisted that the two leaders maintain a strong relationship.

"We get along very good. [Netanyahu] knows who the boss is," Trump stated during a brief phone interview with Axios.

If finalized, this would be their first face-to-face discussion since a February meeting in the White House Situation Room, where Netanyahu reportedly outlined a joint military strategy targeting Iran.

Are they scheduling constraints and regional diplomacy?

While Trump noted the meeting could occur following his return from the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, Israeli officials suggested the timeline might be too tight. "It might take place the week after," an Israeli official remarked, citing the President's heavy travel schedule.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed that a conversation took place on Friday, during which Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the 250th US Independence Day.

"During their conversation, the Prime Minister said that the United States is a guarantor of global freedom, and that Israel greatly values the close relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet soon in the United States," the official Israeli statement read.

Is it the growing strategic strains behind closed doors?

The upcoming talks arrive amid reported policy disagreements regarding regional military operations. Sources close to the administration have expressed growing skepticism over Netanyahu's strategic choices since February.

"Many of Trump's closest advisers think that Bibi was wrong about everything," a US official told Axios.

Reports indicate that Trump previously criticized Netanyahu over Israel's military escalation in Lebanon. Last month, Trump extended a ceasefire memorandum with Iran to initiate fresh nuclear talks, while concurrently urging Israel to limit its operations in Lebanon and consider an initial withdrawal from the southern border.

Trump monitors developments in Iran?

Trump also commented on the geopolitical landscape in Tehran following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which he claimed resulted from a joint US-Israeli operation. Trump noted that while Iran appears eager to resume diplomatic negotiations, formal talks have been paused out of respect for the ongoing funeral services.

"They are begging to make a deal," Trump asserted, adding that he was surprised by the public turnout at the funeral. "I thought people hated Khamenei. Maybe it's fake tears."