- Donald Trump is hosting Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, despite the political risks associated with the US-Israel war with Iran.
- This meeting on February 28 marks the first time the two leaders have met since they jointly launched the war.
- Trump signaled a new diplomatic overture with Iran ahead of the meeting.
- The meeting could be politically costly for Trump as Republicans approach the midterm elections.
- Andrew Day noted that there hasn’t been a Netanyahu visit since the war began due to its disastrous optics.
- A Politico poll indicated that only a third of MAGA voters believe the economic costs of the war with Iran are justified.
- Netanyahu’s government opposed the June 17 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, claiming it strengthened Tehran's position.
- JD Vance warned Israeli officials against criticizing the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of their alliance.
- Despite criticisms, Trump's policy towards Israel has remained unchanged, according to Matt Duss.
- Netanyahu has historically used meetings with Trump to further his war agenda.
- Netanyahu aims to leverage his meeting with Trump to bolster his standing ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington for a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran. This meeting, the first since the war's launch on February 28, comes at a politically sensitive time for Republicans as they approach the midterm elections.1210
The war has sparked significant backlash, with a Politico poll revealing that only a third of self-identified MAGA voters believe the economic costs of the conflict are justified. This sentiment poses a risk for Trump, who is facing increasing unpopularity due to the war's fallout. Andrew Day, a senior editor at The American Conservative, noted, "There hasn’t been a Netanyahu visit since the war began, probably because the war so quickly devolved into a disaster that it just becomes bad optics to have Netanyahu come here."56
As the meeting approaches, Trump has indicated a potential shift in diplomatic strategy, signaling a new overture towards Iran. This could complicate Netanyahu's position, as his government has opposed previous agreements with Tehran, arguing they strengthen Iran's influence. Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy, remarked, "Netanyahu knows how to influence Trump. And Trump can be very influenced by the last person he spoke to if that person knows how to speak to him in the right way." Any positive interaction with Trump could bolster Netanyahu's standing ahead of the challenging Israeli elections in October.9
“This meeting on February 28 is the first since the war began, with Andrew Day noting Netanyahu's absence due to disastrous optics. A recent Politico poll revealed only a third of MAGA voters believe the economic costs of the war with Iran are justified, raising concerns for Trump ahead of the midterm elections.”
