Trump says Netanyahu ‘knows who the boss is,’ will meet with him as soon as next week

President Donald Trump expressed confidence in his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that Netanyahu “knows who the boss is,” during a phone call with Axios on Saturday. This remark came as both leaders discussed the possibility of a new meeting, which Trump claimed could occur as soon as the following week. The potential meeting marks the first time they have convened since February, when Netanyahu presented Trump with plans for a joint military operation against Iran. The timing of the anticipated meeting follows the NATO summit in Turkey, where Trump indicated that Netanyahu had requested a visit to the White House.

The communication between the two leaders took place shortly after Netanyahu extended his congratulations to Trump on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, it was noted that Netanyahu emphasized the United States as a “guarantor of global freedom” and reaffirmed the importance of the strong ties between Israel and the U.S. Despite these positive remarks, the backdrop of their discussions includes ongoing concerns over U.S.-Iran relations, particularly regarding the recent memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran to extend the ceasefire and resume talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Although Israel was not directly involved in the agreement, the pause in hostilities between Iran and Israel has been influenced by these developments.

The planned meeting is expected to address several pressing issues, including the future of U.S.-Iran negotiations and the broader strategic implications for regional stability. Trump mentioned that he was monitoring the funeral ceremonies for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S.-Israel strike in February. During these events, Trump suggested that the Iranians were “begging to make a deal,” indicating a willingness to engage in further dialogue despite the hostile rhetoric from some factions within Iran. However, he also expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the emotional displays observed at the funeral, suggesting that the Iranians might be faking their grief.

In addition to discussing current geopolitical matters, Trump highlighted the significance of the U.S.-Israel alliance, describing it as being rooted in shared values rather than just mutual interests. This sentiment was echoed by Netanyahu, who praised the U.S. as “the greatest force for liberty the modern world has known.” Both leaders have consistently underscored the strength of their partnership, especially in the face of common adversaries such as Iran. Netanyahu also referenced the 50th anniversary of Operation Entebbe, aligning it with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence to emphasize the historical parallels between the two nations' struggles for freedom.

While the exact date of the meeting remains uncertain, an Israeli official suggested that it might occur the week after the NATO summit due to logistical challenges. This delay reflects the complexity of coordinating schedules between the two leaders, especially given the high-profile nature of their interactions. As the situation continues to evolve, the anticipated meeting is likely to serve as a critical moment for reassessing the trajectory of U.S.-Israel cooperation and its impact on the Middle East's political landscape. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this renewed engagement leads to tangible progress or further complications in the region's volatile dynamics.