Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed Israel in a very stealthy manner, leading to many raised eyebrows. Heading off to Washington for his eighth meeting with US President Donald Trump, his office offered no explanation for why he took off from Nevatim Air Base, not Ben Gurion Airport, nor did it publicise beforehand the time of his takeoff.
According to Channel 12, the move to a military base was a security consideration taken in light of a potential threat from Iran. Netanyahu’s cabinet meeting on Sunday was moved from his office to an undisclosed underground location.
The Prime Minister’s Office also declined to allow Israel’s diplomatic media pool to travel aboard the government-funded Wing of Zion aircraft, offering no explanation. Netanyahu has previously excluded journalists from official flights, reflecting his long-standing strained relationship with the media.
Speaking before boarding his flight, Netanyahu said that Iran would be the key topic of his meeting with Trump.
“In these complex times one must act with both great determination and great wisdom,” Netanyahu said in a Hebrew-language video statement alongside his wife, Sara.
“We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran. Of course, our goal is to safeguard our security while also expanding the circle of peace around us.”
“I am embarking on this mission with one clear objective, to ensure the security, strength and future of our beloved State of Israel,” he added.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump on Tuesday at 11 a.m. local time. He will also attend a memorial service for the late Republican senator Lindsey Graham, whom he described as “one of Israel’s greatest friends of all time.”
His visit comes during a pause in fighting after the Pentagon suspended its bombing campaign against Iran on Friday following 13 days of escalating US air strikes.
No US attacks were reported over the weekend, while Iran, which had responded nightly with strikes against countries hosting US military bases, also halted its attacks, saying it would continue to do so as long as Washington refrained from further military action.
The two leaders last met at the White House on February 11.
Beyond Iran, discussions are expected to cover several regional security issues.
Israel’s security cabinet on Sunday approved the limited deployment of the International Stabilisation Force into the Gaza Strip, signalling support for elements of Trump’s proposed 20-point plan for post-war Gaza. However, implementation remains stalled as Hamas terrorists continue rejecting the demand for their full disarmament, while Jerusalem is also yet to approve several key provisions, including plans for reconstruction.
Developments in Lebanon are also expected to figure in the talks. Under a US-backed initiative, Lebanese army forces have begun deploying to parts of southern Lebanon following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from one area as part of a phased security arrangement.
As per the plan, the Lebanese military will confiscate weapons from Hezbollah in designated areas while Israeli forces gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Last week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met Trump and pledged to permanently end hostilities with Israel while seeking US support for efforts to disarm Hezbollah, especially as the Iran-backed militia has refused to disarm.
Israeli officials, meanwhile, have been sceptical over Lebanon’s ability to fully disarm the Islamist outfit but continue to view the initiative as an important step towards longer-term stability along the northern border.
