US President Donald Trump sought to shape expectations ahead of his first meeting in months with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by stressing Israel’s reliance on American support and dismissing concerns over a possible US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Speaking before Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, Trump acknowledged “a little difference” between their military priorities, amid growing signs that US and Israeli approaches in the Middle East are diverging.
He said many countries benefited from US backing, adding that Israel “wouldn’t survive without us”.
The meeting, the eighth between the two leaders since Trump returned to office, comes after Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in April, before Israel had achieved all its stated war aims.
Netanyahu said Iran would be a central topic, though all issues would be discussed. He is reportedly seeking broader US action against Tehran beyond the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington has paused strikes to allow diplomacy a chance. Israel’s original objectives included eliminating Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and weakening its government.
via FT
