Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, departing for Washington on Monday to attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, stated that he will discuss with President Donald Trump all issues on the agenda, led by Iran. "Our goal is to maintain our security and also expand the circle of peace around us," Netanyahu said, according to a statement from his office.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday afternoon, confirming that his trip includes attending the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he has called a great friend of Israel. In a statement before takeoff, Netanyahu said he would discuss all issues with President Donald Trump, led by Iran, and stressed the dual goal of safeguarding Israeli security while expanding the circle of peace. The departure marks the latest stage in a visit that was first announced by Netanyahu at the Sunday cabinet meeting, where he said he would fly to Washington at Trump's invitation to meet with the president and attend Graham's funeral.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed the departure, with Iran and peace expansion as the stated agenda. The visit was set in motion on Sunday, July 26, when Netanyahu announced from the weekly cabinet meeting that he would travel to Washington. He also addressed the ouster of the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, calling it a revelation of the prosecutor's 'true motivation' and deep corruption. In a subsequent cabinet session convened in the underground command complex, Netanyahu reiterated the planned meeting with Trump. The cabinet meeting also included a detailed briefing on IDF operations in Judea and Samaria, including an entry into a hospital in Nablus, and a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the ICC prosecutor's removal.
The trip unfolds against a turbulent diplomatic backdrop. As The Zioneer has reported, President Trump declared the war with Iran 'finished' and stated a nuclear deal is near completion, while Netanyahu has insisted Israel is not a party to any such agreement and will protect its strategic interests. Trump told the Financial Times that Netanyahu 'will have to accept' an American deal with Iran, a statement that sharpens the stakes of the Washington visit. Netanyahu has responded by asserting his role as Israel's prime minister who stands up for the country's interests, as he told Channel 14 on Monday evening.
It remains unclear exactly when the meeting with Trump will take place, or whether Netanyahu's insistence on security red lines — including the removal of enriched material from Iran and the dismantling of enrichment infrastructure — will be reflected in the final agreement. The Prime Minister's Office has not released further details on the timing or nature of the expected meeting.
8 developments
- StrongNetanyahu: Lindsey Graham was 'a true friend and ally, the world lost an amazing person'
- StrongNetanyahu reportedly expressed interest in attending Lindsey Graham's Washington funeral
- StrongAmit Segal reports Netanyahu expected to also attend Lindsey Graham's funeral
- StrongNetanyahu cancels US trip due to security escalation, will miss Graham's funeral Tuesday — Ynet
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