Israeli officials say the vice president’s team fears Netanyahu could persuade President Trump to adopt a tougher position toward Iran.
US Vice President JD Vance and officials around him are reportedly working to prevent a planned meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump.
According to senior Israeli officials, the concern in Washington is that Netanyahu would use a private meeting with Trump to press for a far more forceful policy toward Iran. The report comes amid growing tensions between Israel and figures in the US administration who continue to support negotiations with Tehran despite Iran’s repeated violations and attacks.
Netanyahu is considering traveling to Washington next week for Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, scheduled for July 27. However, Israeli officials say the prime minister does not intend to make the trip unless a formal meeting with Trump is arranged.