Trump Says Netanyahu to Visit Washington Next Week
WASHINGTON-US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the United States next week, with Netanyahu’s office confirming that he will travel to Washington on Monday and meet Trump on Tuesday.
Trump announced the upcoming visit during his remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The meeting will take place as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran reaches its fifth month, placing regional security and bilateral coordination at the forefront of discussions.
While speaking at the dinner, Trump referred to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in remarks that drew attention for describing the New York senator as “Palestinian,” despite Schumer being Jewish. Trump also joked that he would send Schumer a “Palestinian outfit” so he could greet Netanyahu when the Israeli leader arrived in Washington.
Trump further said that Schumer had “turned Palestinian” and made additional remarks referencing Sharia law. The comments echoed previous statements in which Trump has used the term “Palestinian” to criticise the senior Democratic lawmaker.
US Muslim and Jewish advocacy organisations have previously condemned Trump’s use of the term as an insult, arguing that describing someone as “Palestinian” in a derogatory manner is offensive and inappropriate. The groups have criticised the president for employing the label as a political slur.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed the itinerary for the visit, saying the Israeli prime minister will arrive in Washington on Monday before holding talks with Trump the following day. The office also said Netanyahu will attend the funeral of the late US Senator Lindsey Graham during his visit.
The meeting will provide another opportunity for the two leaders to discuss developments in the Middle East as the United States and Israel continue to coordinate closely on regional security issues. Neither the White House nor Netanyahu’s office has released details of the agenda for the talks.
Trump and Netanyahu have maintained close political ties, and their upcoming meeting follows months of heightened regional tensions. The visit comes as Washington remains closely engaged with Israel on security and diplomatic matters linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
