Netanyahu to Urge Trump to Target Iran's Missile Program in Upcoming Meeting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month, where he intends to request U.S. action against Iran's ballistic missile program. This meeting comes amid heightened tensions following recent developments in the Middle East.

In Israel, widespread protests are anticipated against Netanyahu's government. The main demonstration is scheduled in Tel Aviv's Habima Square, featuring families of October 7 attack victims and IDF reservists who served in Gaza. Speakers include Rafael Ben Shitrit, whose son Alroy was killed in the October 7, 2023, attack, and military medic Itay Steinmetz. Demonstrators plan to march from the intersection of Allenby Street and Rothschild Boulevard to the square.

Additional protests are expected in Haifa at the Horev Center, following Mayor Yona Yahav's reversal of his decision to halt regular anti-government demonstrations. Similar protests are planned at various locations and intersections nationwide.

Concurrently, rallies are being organized to advocate for the return of the body of hostage Ran Gvili, the last remaining Israeli hostage in Gaza.

In Lebanon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the first phase of the plan to confiscate weapons south of the Litani River is nearing completion. This initiative is part of a U.S.-backed cease-fire agreement from November 2024, which mandates the disarmament of Hezbollah in areas adjacent to Israel. Salam stated that the government is prepared to proceed to the second phase, targeting weapons north of the Litani River, based on a plan prepared by the Lebanese army.

Recent updates on regional developments include:

• The U.S. military conducted major airstrikes against several Islamic State targets in Syria on Friday.

• U.S. officials proposed "Project Sunrise," a 20-year, $112.1 billion plan for Gaza's postwar reconstruction, committing to fund 20 percent of the cost, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that "Gaza will be governed by Gazans" following cease-fire mediators' discussions in Miami regarding the implementation of the second phase of the Israel-Gaza cease-fire agreement.

• Germany's Interior Ministry indicated that its list of banned Hamas-related symbols might be expanded.

• Iran executed a man on Saturday, convicted of spying for Israel and having ties to Iranian opposition groups, according to the judiciary's Mizan news agency.

Representatives from Turkey, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt met on Friday to discuss the implementation of the second phase of the Israel-Gaza cease-fire agreement. The talks focused on ensuring that "Gaza is governed by Gazans" and establishing the Board of Peace and the International Stabilization Force, according to a statement from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

A regional source indicated that the discussions aimed to address obstacles to implementing the deal's second phase. Mediators agree on the necessity of forming a committee of Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza before announcing the Board of Peace. The meeting in Miami included U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. officials presented a plan for Gaza's reconstruction titled "Project Sunrise," proposing to cover approximately 20 percent of the total $112.1 billion cost over ten years. The project aims to rebuild infrastructure, housing, and Gaza's economy after two years of war, with construction beginning in southern Gaza.

In domestic politics, Netanyahu's efforts to halt his corruption trial without admitting guilt have not succeeded. His letter to President Isaac Herzog suggested that ending the trial might lead him to reconsider actions against the judiciary and media. Meanwhile, the governing coalition's legislative initiatives in the Knesset are progressing.

As the next general election approaches, expected in October, increased legislative activity, threats to judicial and prosecutorial figures, attempts to halt the trial, and measures against appointing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 failures are anticipated.

Recent criticisms of IDF and Shin Bet leaders appear to be diversionary tactics. On Thursday, Netanyahu announced he would lead the ministerial committee deciding on the inquiry's format, scheduling its first meeting for Monday at noon, coinciding with a session of his trial.