Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday for a meeting with President Donald Trump. In a statement before takeoff, Netanyahu said he would discuss 'all issues on the agenda, foremost Iran' and also pay last respects to Senator Lindsey Graham, a close friend of Israel, according to journalist Amit Segal (N12). The flight departed from Nevatim Airbase using the 'Wing of Zion' aircraft.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday afternoon, taking off from Nevatim Airbase on the 'Wing of Zion' aircraft for a meeting with President Donald Trump. The departure was first reported by multiple Israeli outlets at around 13:00 Jerusalem time, with journalists noting the flight was not announced in advance and departed from an air force base rather than Ben Gurion Airport, with no journalists aboard.
In a statement at the opening of the government meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu had announced the planned trip, saying he would meet Trump at the president's invitation and then attend the memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham, described as 'a great friend of Israel.' On Monday, before departure, Netanyahu said: 'We are in complex times,' according to journalist Amit Segal (N12). Additional reports from Channel 14 and other outlets quoted Netanyahu saying the agenda would cover 'all issues on the table, foremost Iran' and that 'our goal is to maintain our security and also expand the circle of peace around us.'
The trip marks Netanyahu's eighth meeting with Trump since the president began his second term. The visit comes amid ongoing Israeli security operations in Judea and Samaria, which Netanyahu referenced in his Sunday statement, noting that forces had entered the Jenin hospital, detained two accomplices, and mapped homes of additional suspects for demolition. The Prime Minister also noted a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reiterated U.S. determination to act firmly against the International Criminal Court.
14 developments
- DevelopingNetanyahu expected to depart for US next week for Trump meeting, PM's circle assesses
- StrongReport: Netanyahu seeks meeting with Trump in Washington after Europe trip
- StrongNetanyahu and Trump agree to White House meeting
- StrongNetanyahu braces for toughest confrontation: Trump call to set tone for Iran deal
Source and signal
- Open-source intake