Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday. This meeting signals a potential strengthening of ties between the two leaders amidst current U.S. election tensions and strained relations between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden over the Gaza conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his anticipation for the visit, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, “Bibi.” This will be their first meeting since Trump’s presidency, during which the two developed a close relationship.
The timing of this meeting is notable given the recent strains between Netanyahu and President Biden. The Biden administration has faced criticism over its handling of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Additionally, Trump has publicly criticized Netanyahu for congratulating Biden on his 2020 election victory—a win Trump has repeatedly claimed was marred by voter fraud.
On Tuesday, Trump shared a letter from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which was written a day after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. Abbas extended wishes for Trump’s safety, and Trump reiterated his commitment to working towards peace in the Middle East during his social media post.
Netanyahu’s request for an in-person meeting with Trump came during his visit to Washington this week. The Israeli Prime Minister is also scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday to seek renewed support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Additionally, Netanyahu plans to meet with both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently entered the 2024 presidential race after Biden’s withdrawal.
Polls suggest a tight race for the upcoming U.S. presidential election, and many analysts believe a potential second term for Trump could offer Netanyahu more latitude in the Gaza conflict. During Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021, the U.S. moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that delighted Israelis but angered Palestinians. Trump has criticized Netanyahu for security lapses related to the Hamas attacks on October 7 and has urged rapid action to resolve the situation in Gaza.
Trump praised Netanyahu’s role in the Abraham Accords—historic agreements brokered by the U.S. that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. “During my first term, we had Peace and Stability in the Region, even signing the historic Abraham Accords – And we will have it again,” Trump asserted.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s commentary on current U.S. leadership reflects his belief that the Democratic frontrunner, Kamala Harris, is not equipped to address global conflicts effectively.
