While the official agenda includes reaffirming U.S.-Israel cooperation and showcasing a shared “victory photo,” the New York Times suggests there’s far more behind the scenes. The trip, initiated by Jerusalem, comes at a critical juncture: hostage negotiations with Hamas are stalled, Iran remains defiant, and Israeli elections are fast approaching. According to the Times, Netanyahu’s visit serves multiple purposes chief among them, a calculated appeal to right-wing voters.
The spectacle of standing shoulder to shoulder with Trump, Israel’s most supportive American president in decades, plays well with Netanyahu’s conservative base. But there are deeper strategic aims. During his last visit to the White House, Netanyahu was blindsided on-air by Trump’s announcement of potential U.S.-Iran talks. This time, Israeli officials suspect another surprise could be in store—possibly a push for a Gaza ceasefire deal that Hamas continues to resist. (Read More)
