Why this time around, Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump might not go to script

Key Points:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's relationship with US President Donald Trump has become strained since their last meeting five months ago, shifting from close cooperation on the Iran war to private tensions and disagreements over military strategy and diplomacy.
• Netanyahu has made multiple attempts to secure a White House meeting to discuss Iran and warn against diplomatic concessions, finally arranging a sit-down during Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral, despite initial resistance from Trump and some US officials.
• The two leaders diverge on key issues: Netanyahu wants to continue pressing Iran and maintain military positions in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, while Trump favors an exit strategy and has criticized Netanyahu's actions, including the bombing campaign in Lebanon.
• Additional friction arises from US plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and a potential US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement, both of which Israel fears could undermine its military edge and destabilize the region.
• Netanyahu faces political pressure ahead of Israel's October election and seeks to secure Trump's support, hoping to advance security agreements and normalization efforts, though the meeting is low-profile, reflecting ongoing sensitivities and tensions.