Trump Hosts Netanyahu as Differences Over Iran, Gaza and Lebanon Test Their Alliance

U.S. President Donald Trump received Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday for their first face-to-face meeting since the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran in February, amid signs of disagreement over how the next phase of the regional conflict should be managed.

The closed-door talks lasted nearly 90 minutes and were described by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as “positive and productive.” No detailed joint statement was issued immediately after the meeting. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were also present.

Iran dominated the agenda, with Netanyahu seeking continued U.S. pressure on Tehran and emphasizing concerns about its nuclear activities. Trump, however, has temporarily paused U.S. airstrikes to give diplomatic efforts another opportunity, reflecting a difference over the timing and limits of further military action.

Ahead of the meeting, Trump publicly expressed irritation over reports that Netanyahu intended to present intelligence concerning activity at an underground Iranian facility. The president suggested that the information had been publicized to encourage continued U.S. military involvement. Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to those remarks.

Trump acknowledged on Monday that the two leaders had “a little difference” over Iran, while adding that their positions remained relatively close. The exchange underscored a broader tension between Netanyahu’s preference for sustained pressure on Iran and Hezbollah and Trump’s effort to explore a negotiated settlement with Tehran.

Gaza was also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Israel’s security cabinet recently approved a legal framework allowing a multinational stabilization force to enter limited areas of the enclave under a U.S.-backed plan. The proposal also calls for increased humanitarian assistance, a transitional Palestinian civilian administration, the disarmament of Hamas and a phased Israeli military withdrawal, but significant elements of the plan remain stalled.

The Lebanon file presented another area of pressure. Washington is seeking progress on a U.S.-brokered framework intended to expand the deployment of the Lebanese army, disarm Hezbollah and secure a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told Trump earlier in July that a complete Israeli withdrawal was necessary to restore stability and state authority.

Despite photographs showing Trump and Netanyahu smiling in the Oval Office, the absence of a detailed announcement left the meeting’s practical outcome unclear. Their political and security alliance remains intact, but the discussions highlighted genuine differences over the use of military force and the transition toward diplomatic and security arrangements in Iran, Gaza and Lebanon.