Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were seen in a close, lengthy conversation during the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral, according to Asaf Rozentzweig (N12). Smiles were visible at the end of the exchange.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were seen in a close, lengthy conversation during the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral, according to Asaf Rozentzweig (N12). Smiles were visible at the end of the exchange, suggesting a cordial tone. The interaction took place on the sidelines of the memorial service, which began at 21:04 Jerusalem.
The Zioneer first reported the two leaders' presence at the cathedral at 21:14 Jerusalem, when Fox News cameras captured them standing side by side among the guests. Subsequent reports at the same time documented a handshake and conversation between them, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha standing nearby. Further reports specified that the exchange occurred just before the eulogy ceremony for Graham, and later that the conversation was documented as a close exchange. By 21:14 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that a rare meeting between the two leaders had taken place, though no details were available at the time. The new report from N12 now places the meeting at the funeral and adds the detail of visible smiles, providing the most specific account of the interaction so far.
The funeral drew a high-profile gathering, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other world leaders, as The Zioneer reported at 21:04 Jerusalem. The Zioneer also reported earlier this week that Netanyahu had expressed interest in attending the funeral. Additionally, at the same event, Netanyahu was seen in a lengthy conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as reported at 21:19 Jerusalem.
No details on the substance of the conversation between Netanyahu and Zelensky have been reported. The meeting has not been formally confirmed by either leader's office. The significance of the exchange remains unclear, given the limited direct engagement between the two leaders in recent years.
8 developments
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- StrongMemorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham begins at Washington National Cathedral; Trump, Netanyahu, Zelensky attend
- StrongNetanyahu reportedly expressed interest in attending Lindsey Graham's Washington funeral
- StrongAmit Segal reports Netanyahu expected to also attend Lindsey Graham's funeral
Source and signal
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