US President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington next week for high-level talks, placing the Trump Netanyahu meeting in the spotlight as regional tensions continue across the Middle East.
Speaking at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, Trump referred to the Israeli leader by his nickname “Bibi” and made remarks directed at Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Trump joked that he would send Schumer “a beautiful Palestinian outfit” so he could welcome Netanyahu during the visit.
Trump also repeated his claim that Schumer had “turned Palestinian,” despite Schumer being Jewish. The senator has publicly criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict while continuing to support Israel’s security. Advocacy groups have previously criticized Trump’s use of the term “Palestinian” as a political insult.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the Israeli prime minister is scheduled to travel to Washington on Monday and meet Trump on Tuesday. During the visit, Netanyahu is also expected to attend the funeral of late US Senator Lindsey Graham, according to his office.
The Trump Netanyahu meeting comes at a sensitive moment in US-Israel relations, with Washington facing international scrutiny over its support for Israel and its role in diplomatic efforts related to the Gaza conflict and wider Middle East developments.
The visit also follows recent political debate in the United States after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for Netanyahu’s arrest during any US visit, citing an International Criminal Court warrant. Trump has already stated that Netanyahu would not be arrested while in the United States.
The upcoming Trump Netanyahu meeting is expected to focus on regional security, the situation in Gaza, and broader Middle East developments. Political analysts say the discussions could influence future US-Israel cooperation and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
