Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is set to travel to Washington on Monday at the invitation of President Donald Trump for a closely watched White House meeting expected to center on Iran, as the administration weighs whether to broaden military operations against the Islamic Republic.

The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, will mark Netanyahu’s first official visit to the U.S. capital since the outbreak of the war with Iran and comes at a pivotal moment in the regional conflict.

During his trip, Netanyahu is also expected to attend the funeral of the late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, whom the Prime Minister’s Office described as “a friend of Israel.”

The visit coincides with ongoing deliberations inside the White House over whether to resume large-scale military action against Iran following Operation Epic Fury. Discussions are taking place amid continued concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program and its attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Axios, Netanyahu has now met with Trump six times since the president returned to office a year and a half ago—more than any other foreign leader.

Tuesday’s discussions could carry enormous strategic significance, with reports indicating that Trump is evaluating options that include a renewed joint American-Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian assets.

The announcement of Netanyahu’s visit has prompted widespread speculation that Washington and Jerusalem are coordinating their next moves in confronting Iran.

Some analysts believe the timing suggests any major military escalation is unlikely before the leaders meet. However, Axios noted that in previous instances, publicly announced visits by senior officials have sometimes served as part of broader deception efforts preceding military operations.

Trump told Axios on Thursday that he would meet with Netanyahu should the Israeli leader travel to Washington for Graham’s funeral.

Netanyahu had initially intended to make the trip last week, but postponed his plans after the funeral schedule for Graham was changed.

Axios also reported that Netanyahu had been seeking an Oval Office meeting before one was officially confirmed, although White House officials initially maintained that no appointment had yet been finalized.

The meeting also unfolds against a complicated political backdrop. Axios reported that although Netanyahu remains one of Trump’s closest international allies, the Israeli leader has become increasingly unpopular among Democrats, some members of Trump’s inner circle, and segments of the MAGA movement amid disagreements over the direction of the Middle East conflict.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the Prime Minister’s Office has informed reporters that journalists will not be permitted to fly aboard the official government aircraft, Wing of Zion. Members of the media traveling separately, however, may apply for press credentials to cover the visit.

In addition to bilateral relations, the White House talks are expected to address Iran’s continued regional aggression, U.S.-Israel security cooperation, efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, and broader initiatives aimed at restoring stability across the Middle East as Tehran continues to reject terms for a comprehensive diplomatic agreement.

{Matzav.com}