What could we expect from Netanyahu’s Visit to US?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to be the first foreign leader hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, a diplomatic boost for Netanyahu as he faces mounting challenges at home. The meeting comes at a critical moment, with fragile cease-fires in Gaza and Lebanon hanging in the balance. Trump, having brokered these agreements, now has the responsibility of overseeing their implementation, a role that places him at the center of Middle East diplomacy.
Despite the positive optics, the relationship between Netanyahu and Trump remains complicated. Both leaders harbor lingering mistrust from past interactions, including Netanyahu’s consideration of West Bank annexation in 2020—a move Trump opposed—and Netanyahu’s swift recognition of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory, which angered Trump. However, both leaders have strong incentives to ensure a successful meeting.
For Trump, reinforcing his image as the most pro-Israel U.S. president is key to his political brand. His administration has already lifted sanctions on Israeli settlers and resumed halted arms shipments. Meanwhile, Netanyahu, under pressure from legal troubles, political allies, and hostage families, seeks to use the visit to bolster his position.
However, significant policy rifts remain. Netanyahu is caught between his right-wing coalition, which demands the continuation of the war in Gaza, and Trump’s preference for a cease-fire. The second phase of the cease-fire agreement, set to begin on February 4, requires Hamas to release all remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. With one right-wing party already leaving Netanyahu’s coalition over the deal and another threatening to follow suit, Netanyahu faces a political tightrope.
Trump’s focus on securing a Saudi-Israeli normalization deal further complicates matters. Riyadh now demands a clear path toward a two-state solution—something Netanyahu is reluctant to concede. Additionally, Netanyahu’s calls for U.S. support in a potential military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities may not align with Trump’s priorities. While Trump remains staunchly opposed to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, his administration has signaled openness to diplomatic engagement, which could also align with Saudi and Gulf interests.
The meeting is unlikely to yield major breakthroughs. Netanyahu may raise the renewal of U.S. military aid, which expires in 2028, but Trump’s budget-cutting stance suggests he may use such assistance as leverage rather than granting it unconditionally. Trump’s unpredictability poses another risk for Netanyahu—unlike in the past, he cannot rely on congressional Republicans to counterbalance Trump’s decisions.
Ultimately, Netanyahu is expected to return home with positive optics but few tangible gains. Trump, as the stronger political figure, will assert U.S. dominance in the relationship, making it clear that Israel must align with American strategic interests. Whether this meeting strengthens Netanyahu’s position or merely highlights his vulnerabilities remains to be seen.