Trump, Netanyahu tout "productive" meeting after weeks of tensions

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a private meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday, describing it as "productive" despite recent strains in their relationship. The 90-minute session focused on the ongoing conflict with Iran, with neither side displaying public signs of tension. This marks a rare moment of alignment amid months of friction. The meeting took place just days after Trump expressed frustration with Netanyahu over the pace of military operations against Iran. Earlier in the week, Trump criticized Netanyahu for allegedly exaggerating the Iranian threat, suggesting the Israeli leader sought to keep the United States engaged in the conflict. Despite such remarks, both leaders emphasized shared goals. According to the Israeli government, Trump and Netanyahu remain in close coordination on the Iran issue, with no divergence in strategy. Tzipi Hotovely, Netanyahu’s communication director, stated that the prime minister does not dictate policy to the U.S. president and that both parties aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Hotovely noted that discussions extended beyond the Iran issue. Trump and Netanyahu also explored the potential normalization of diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a proposal Trump had previously advocated as part of broader negotiations involving a possible Saudi nuclear deal. However, the topic of the U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, something Israel strongly opposes, was not addressed during the meeting. Additionally, Trump did not press Israel to withdraw troops from occupied territories, according to Hotovely. The White House confirmed the Israeli government’s characterization of the meeting, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calling it "good and productive." Unlike previous Oval Office sessions, this meeting was closed to media, and no journalists were invited. Photos of the encounter were later released by Netanyahu’s office, offering a glimpse into the private dialogue. Netanyahu praised the meeting on social media, stating it was among the best he and Trump have had. He reiterated their shared objective of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, emphasizing that their positions align on this critical issue. This sentiment reflects a shift from earlier public disputes, where Trump had used strong language to criticize Netanyahu, including labeling him "f---ing crazy" during a call regarding Israel’s actions in Lebanon. The current dynamic follows a period of heightened tension. While the two leaders initially worked together on the launch of Operation Epic Fury in late February, their relationship has since deteriorated due to differences in approach to the war. Trump has frequently questioned Netanyahu’s judgment, suggesting that the Israeli leader seeks to prolong U.S. involvement. Yet, the recent meeting suggests a renewed effort to maintain cooperation, particularly on the Iran front. Netanyahu’s comments during a Fox News appearance further underscored his strategic thinking. When asked about internal divisions within Iran, he suggested that while there are varying assessments of U.S. toughness, there are no ideological factions. Instead, he argued that the key to progress lies in maintaining a unified stance against Iranian nuclear ambitions. He expressed deep respect for Trump’s commitment to this cause, reinforcing the notion of mutual understanding. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on the shared goal of containing Iran’s nuclear program. With the latest meeting indicating a temporary thaw in relations, observers will be watching closely to see whether this cooperation translates into sustained collaboration or if tensions resurface in the coming weeks. For now, the agreement between Trump and Netanyahu stands as a notable step toward stabilizing their complex partnership.