Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is departing Monday for a brief visit to Washington at the invitation of President Donald Trump, where discussions are expected to center on Iran and the broader Middle East. Ahead of the trip, Netanyahu reportedly warned members of Israel’s Security Cabinet that he is concerned the U.S. administration could increase pressure on Israel to relinquish territory in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip.

During his visit, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Trump as well as other senior officials in the administration for a series of working discussions.

The Prime Minister will also participate in the memorial service honoring the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of Israel.

Officials in both the Prime Minister’s Office and Jerusalem said the primary focus of the meetings will be the Iranian threat, along with the evolving security situation across multiple fronts in the Middle East.

According to reports, Netanyahu told Security Cabinet ministers that he fears Washington may seek to push Israel toward withdrawals from strategic areas in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. He reportedly emphasized that he has no intention of accepting such demands and plans to firmly oppose any pressure in that direction.

Speaking about the upcoming trip on Sunday, Netanyahu said: “I will fly to Washington to meet, at his invitation, with President Trump, and afterward attend the memorial service for a great friend of Israel, Senator Lindsey Graham. I must say that he was one of Israel’s greatest friends since the state’s establishment, and it is only fitting that we pay him this tribute. I will also speak with President Trump about all the issues on the agenda, including the situation in Iran.”

The planned meetings with top U.S. officials come as Israel and Washington continue to assess the next phase of Israel’s military operations and broader regional strategy, with reports indicating that differences remain over several key issues.

As part of the preparations for the visit, Netanyahu also held a conversation on Sunday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is widely viewed within Israel’s diplomatic establishment as one of the administration’s strongest supporters of Israel’s positions.

{Matzav.com}