Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington, marking their first meeting since Trump’s return to the White House. The two leaders have historically been close allies, but their relationship has become increasingly strained over the years.
In 2017, Netanyahu praised Trump’s policies as “quotable,” suggesting a strong bond between the two leaders. However, eight years later, it remains unclear whether they share the same views on key issues.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions over Gaza, with Trump having proposed an ambitious plan to make the Palestinian territory part of the United States. The proposal has sparked debate and criticism, with some viewing it as an imperial fantasy and others seeing it as a negotiating ploy.
Netanyahu’s visit raises questions about his own stance on the issue, particularly given his close ties with Trump. It is not yet clear how the Israeli prime minister will navigate this complex situation or whether he will ultimately support Trump’s plan for Gaza.
Source: https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/02/04/netanyahu-is-about-to-discover-if-trump-is-friend-or-foe