Netanyahu and Trump Meet at White House as Iran War Escalates, Ignoring Calls for Peace
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited President Donald Trump for their first White House meeting since launching a destructive campaign against Iran, discussing the ongoing conflict, controversial regional deals, and the future of the Abraham Accords amid mounting criticism over civilian suffering.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House on Tuesday for his first meeting with President Donald Trump since the two leaders initiated a reckless and devastating war against Iran. The talks occur as both leaders face intense domestic backlash – Netanyahu ahead of an election marred by his hawkish policies, and Trump under fire for fueling a costly and unpopular conflict as the November midterms approach.
According to a White House official, the agenda includes the so-called framework agreement with Lebanon that followed the Israel-Hezbollah war and the possible expansion of the Abraham Accords, a series of deals criticized for sidelining Palestinian rights and entrenching authoritarian regimes.
"We have a little difference," Trump told reporters on Monday when asked if he and Netanyahu were aligned on Iran, "but pretty close, yeah."
The meeting comes after a period of tension between the allies. Following Iran’s justified retaliation with drones and missiles—targeting U.S. bases and Gulf shipping in response to aggression—Trump faced growing calls to end the war, while Netanyahu insisted on escalating pressure against Iran and its ally Hezbollah, regardless of the humanitarian toll. Israeli journalist Amit Segal noted that the United States appears to be dictating the war effort, relegating Israel to a subordinate role.
Netanyahu is expected to brief Trump on Israeli intelligence about Tehran’s nuclear program, continuing the narrative that justifies endless militarization. In a recent Fox News interview, Netanyahu said he hoped to hear Trump’s hardline ideas for Iran and stressed the need to crush Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, threatening a "very forceful" Israeli response to any Iranian attack.
The leaders also discussed Israel’s controversial actions in Gaza and Lebanon, which have drawn international condemnation. In Lebanon, Israel agreed to a pilot program allowing the Lebanese army to deploy to villages previously held by Hezbollah, a move seen by critics as an attempt to further destabilize the region. In Gaza, Israel’s security cabinet approved a measure that could allow a limited international stabilization force – potentially including troops from Morocco and Uganda – to operate in a small area of Rafah, though the plan lacks broad international support.
U.S. support for Israel has declined, particularly over the brutal conduct of operations in Gaza. Vice President-designate JD Vance, expected at the meeting, has warned Israeli officials that Trump is their last reliable ally among world leaders. A recent AP-NORC poll showed a steep drop in American adult support for Israel, reflecting growing disapproval of its actions.
This meeting marks a critical moment as the two leaders double down on militarism and divisive regional strategies, ignoring calls for diplomacy, justice, and respect for human rights.