Prime Minister Netanyahu said during the meeting that Senator Lindsey Graham was Israel's number one friend, and President Trump corrected, calling himself number one. An Israeli source added that the atmosphere was warm and friendly, and that Trump did not demand an Israeli withdrawal from any sector, contrary to some reports.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump met at the White House Tuesday evening in a meeting the Israeli delegation described as warm and friendly. During the meeting, Netanyahu called Senator Lindsey Graham Israel's 'number one friend,' and Trump quickly corrected, saying he himself is number one. An Israeli source also said that contrary to earlier reports, Trump did not demand an Israeli withdrawal from any sector in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza. The source noted that the atmosphere was 'very warm and friendly,' and that the discussion focused on regional strategy.
The withdrawal issue had been a source of tension between Washington and Jerusalem in recent weeks, with Defense Minister Katz stating on Monday that Netanyahu made clear Israel would not withdraw from security zones. Trump's lack of a demand in the meeting suggests a more flexible U.S. posture than some had anticipated. Earlier, Jerusalem sources told The Zioneer that the meeting achieved two objectives, though the objectives were not specified.
2 developments
- StrongNetanyahu: Lindsey Graham was 'a true friend and ally, the world lost an amazing person'
- StrongIsraeli source: Trump did not demand Israeli withdrawal from any sector in meeting
- DevelopingTrump says ties with Netanyahu are 'excellent,' denies frustration
- StrongNetanyahu: Trump is US president, I am Israel's PM — I stand up for our interests
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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