DX Brief:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed Israel on Monday for Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
- Netanyahu stated that Iran would top the agenda for the talks, their first face-to-face meeting in more than five months.
- The departure comes during a pause in U.S. and Iranian attacks following nearly two weeks of intensifying exchanges, as well as ongoing discussions on Gaza, Lebanon, and broader Middle East issues, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
- Netanyahu is also scheduled to attend a memorial service for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham during the visit.
Departure Details and Security Measures
Netanyahu and his wife Sara boarded Israel’s official aircraft, the Wing of Zion, and took off from Nevatim Air Force Base near Beersheva rather than Ben Gurion Airport. The Prime Minister’s Office did not publicize the takeoff time in advance and barred Israel’s diplomatic media pool from traveling on the flight.
The use of the military base was reportedly a security consideration related to a potential threat from Iran. Netanyahu’s security cabinet meeting the previous day had been relocated to an undisclosed underground site.
In a video statement released minutes before takeoff, Netanyahu said that “In these complex times one must act with both great determination and great wisdom. We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran. Of course, our goal is to safeguard our security while also expanding the circle of peace around us. I am embarking on this mission with one clear objective, to ensure the security, strength, and future of our beloved State of Israel.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before departing on a visit to Washington:
"I am on my way to Washington for a meeting with our friend, President Donald Trump. This is my eighth meeting with him since he was elected president for his second term, more than any other… pic.twitter.com/R5Cf7lJ4od— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 27, 2026
He added that the meeting would be his eighth with Trump since the start of the President’s second term. Netanyahu also noted he would pay last respects to Graham, describing him as “one of Israel’s greatest friends of all time.”
Meeting Schedule and Primary Focus on Iran
The White House meeting is set for 11 a.m. local time Tuesday. It marks the first in-person talks between the leaders since February 11, shortly before Israel and the United States launched a joint aerial campaign against Iran that began on February 28.
Netanyahu has identified Iran as the leading topic. The United States paused its strikes on Iran late Friday after 13 consecutive nights of attacks. Iran stated it has also halted its retaliatory operations against U.S. assets in the region for as long as the U.S. pause continues.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Trump was “giving talks some space.” A memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June to establish a 60-day framework for negotiations on issues including the Strait of Hormuz has faced repeated challenges.
Israel did not participate in the most recent two-week U.S. bombing campaign. Israeli officials have warned that any Iranian attack would trigger a forceful response.
Additional Regional Topics Expected
On Sunday, Israel’s security cabinet approved the limited entry of an International Stabilization Force of about 200 troops into the Gaza Strip, consistent with elements of Trump’s 20-point plan for the enclave. Implementation has faced delays linked to Hamas positions and remaining disagreements over reconstruction provisions.
In Lebanon, Lebanese army troops began deploying last week in a southern pilot zone following an Israeli withdrawal, under a U.S.-brokered framework for phased withdrawals and the confiscation of Hezbollah weapons. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Trump last week.
Discussions are also expected to touch on Saudi Arabia. The United States recently signed an agreement involving nuclear energy cooperation with Riyadh. Trump has linked full progress to eventual normalization with Israel.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid is also traveling to Washington for Graham’s memorial service.
The meeting occurs as continued efforts by mediators, including Oman and Pakistan, to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Provided by Dallas Express
