From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Netanyahu confirms will fly to Washington to meet Trump, top US officials next week
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he expects to fly to Washington next week for meetings with US President Donald Trump and top US officials.
Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu says he will also meet with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
He will also meet with senior lawmakers, says Netanyahu.
According to reports, the prime minister is expected to fly to the US on Saturday night and meet with Trump at the White House on Monday.
“These things come in the wake of the great victory we achieved in Operation Rising Lion,” Netanyahu tells his ministers. “Exploiting the success is no less important than achieving the success.”
After Israel’s 12-day operation against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, there has been a new focus on the potential for an agreement with Syria, as well as reports about a broad arrangement that would see the war in Gaza end and Israel normalize ties with Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu also indicates a new trade agreement with the US is close. “We have a few things to close before then in order to reach the trade agreement,” he says.
The Times of Israel Community.