Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday in a visit expected to focus on Iran, as Washington weighs diplomacy against the threat of military action and Israel pushes to shape the scope of the negotiations.
Trump has indicated that the Iranian dossier will dominate the agenda. In a telephone interview with Axios, the president said Tehran is “very keen to reach a deal” but warned: “Either we make a deal, or we will have to do something very difficult – like last time.”
Netanyahu said before leaving Israel for Washington that he plans to make a presentation Israel’s position. “I will present to the president our concept regarding the principles of the negotiations – the essential principles that are important not only for Israel, but for everyone who wants peace and security in the Middle East,” he told reporters.
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President Donald Trump (R) greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) as he arrives at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 29, 2025. (Jim WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
The meeting comes days after U.S. and Iranian officials resumed talks in Oman for the first time since last summer’s 12-day war, while the United States continues to maintain a significant military presence in the Gulf — a stance widely seen as a deterrent and leverage for negotiations with Tehran.
“Iran is not so much a Middle East issue. It is a global issue that affects American interests around the world,” he added, calling the regime “probably the oldest global terror network in the world… [with] thousands of Americans killed through proxies.”
Olidort said the government’s strategy appears to combine diplomacy with visible military pressure. “The president has been clear… if the talks are not successful, the military option cannot be off the table,” he said. “Military assets in the region serve as part of the negotiating strategy with Iran.”
Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. (MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
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For Israel, the biggest concern is not only Iran’s nuclear program, but also its ballistic missile arsenal and regional network of armed groups.
Trump indicated to Axios that the United States shares at least some of that vision, saying any agreement should not be tackled alone nuclear issues but also Iran’s ballistic missiles.
Israeli intelligence expert Sima Shein has warned that negotiations focusing solely on nuclear restrictions could leave Israel exposed. “The visit signals a lack of confidence that only the US envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, can best represent Israeli interests. They were in Israel just a week ago – but Netanyahu wants to speak directly to Trump, so there is no ambiguity about Israel’s position,” she added.
Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei appears in public for the first time in weeks with new American threats. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader Credit/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Shein says Iran could hesitate diplomatically to see if Washington limits talks on nuclear issues while avoiding missile restrictions. Her analysis further suggests that a sanctions relief deal that leaves Iran’s broader capabilities intact could stabilize the regime at a time of internal pressure while preserving its military influence.
“An agreement now would effectively save the regime at a time when it has no real solutions to its internal problems. Lifting sanctions through a deal would give the regime breathing space and help stabilize it,” she said.
“If there is an agreement, the United States should demand the release of all detainees and push for humanitarian measures, including medical support for those seriously injured. Washington should be directly involved in enforcing those provisions.”
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Troops of the Givati Brigade, under the command of the 162nd Division, are operating in the Jabaliya area of the northern Gaza Strip as part of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’. (IDF Spokespersons Unit)
Netanyahu said before leaving Israel that he and Trump would discuss “a range of topics.” including Gazawhere a US-backed post-war framework and ceasefire implementation remain stalled.
According to Israeli reporting, Netanyahu plans to tell Trump that phase two of the Gaza peace plan is “not moving” due to ongoing disputes over disarmament, governance and security arrangements.
The timing of Netanyahu’s visit could also allow him to return to Washington next week for the opening session of the Peace Council, Shein said, noting that the initiative is controversial in the Israeli parliament.
Hamas terrorists stand in formation as Palestinians gather in the streets to watch the handover of three Israeli hostages to a Red Cross team in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on February 8, 2025. (Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“Hamas’ control over Gaza has not weakened, while international obligations to disarm Hamas appear to be weakening,” he added. “The longer the US waits before taking action against the Iranian regime, the more compromised Israel is in its ability and determination to disarm Hamas by force, both of which require the sanction and blessing of the new international structures in Gaza.”
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“The Prime Minister’s major concern is the stalled state of affairs, both against the Iranian regime and apparently in Gaza. The timing is crucial on both fronts. And for Israel the window appears to be closing,” Diker said.
