28/07/2026 09:42 - Internacionales
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on July 27, 2026 for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for July 28, 2026. This marks their first in-person meeting since the start of the war in the Middle East and the eighth such meeting since Trump returned to the presidency in 2025, making Netanyahu the foreign leader with the most presidential meetings in the current U.S. administration.
According to reports from Infobae, the summit is intended to reaffirm the bilateral alliance and explore diplomatic paths to resolve ongoing conflicts.
Before departing for the United States, Netanyahu described the visit as a critical opportunity for Israel's security, stating that Iran would top the agenda. 'We will address all the planned topics, and first and foremost, Iran. Our goal is to protect our security and also expand the circle of peace around us,' he said, as reported by La Prensa.
The war between the U.S. and Iran began on February 28, 2026. Although public tensions surfaced during ceasefire negotiations in April, experts like Yonatan Freeman of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem told AFP that the meeting aims to send a message of unity: 'There is no rift or major disagreement between the United States and Israel.'
The leaders are expected to discuss the implementation of a U.S.-backed security framework recently signed by Israel and Lebanon. They will also evaluate options for rebuilding the Gaza Strip and deploying a multinational security force.
The Israeli official aircraft, 'Wings of Zion,' reportedly flew over countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute (the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court), including Greece, Italy, France, and Canada, according to radar data cited by Deutsche Welle.
Despite New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani calling on federal authorities to arrest the Israeli leader, Trump flatly rejected the possibility, stating that Netanyahu 'will not be arrested' on U.S. soil.
According to El País, the visit coincides with the run-up to Israel's legislative elections scheduled for October 27, 2026. In this context, projecting unity with Washington is crucial for Netanyahu's political standing as he seeks a new term and hopes to consolidate regional stability.
Finally, both leaders are expected to attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of Israel, underscoring the enduring bonds of friendship that transcend tactical differences and keeping alive the hope for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
