Trump–Netanyahu: Face-to-Face Meeting Sept. 29
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on September 29. The invitation was extended after Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly on September 26 in New York. Netanyahu made the announcement at a press conference Tuesday evening, Israeli time.
Netanyahu said he spoke several times with Trump following the Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha. From those conversations, the invitation to Washington arose. The attack on Qatar itself sparked widespread condemnation, including from the UN human rights commissioner.
Reports about coordination before the attack remain conflicting. Axios reported that Netanyahu spoke with Trump before the bombs fell on Doha, while Reuters reported that Trump said he was not informed in advance.
The meeting in Washington comes amid an escalating Gaza war and international pressure. Israel recently launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City; on the diplomatic front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week reiterated Washington's support for Israel.
The agenda is expected to include hostage issues, a ceasefire path, and the regional impact of the Doha attack. Additional details from the White House have not been released, but the signal is clear: US-Israel coordination will be enhanced after the UN forum. (ayu)
Source: Bloomberg.com
