Netanyahu to meet Trump: Gaza, Saudi nuke, Turkey on agenda

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump for talks that extend well beyond the familiar focus on Iran, as the two leaders confront a series of emerging disputes that could reshape Middle Eastern alliances. Disagreements over a potential US-Saudi civilian nuclear deal, the pending sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, and the scope of Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon are all expected to dominate the agenda, according to sources familiar with the preparations.

US-Saudi nuclear deal sparks concern in Jerusalem

At the heart of the tensions is the Trump administration's reported progress on a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, which would allow Riyadh to pursue a civilian nuclear program. Israeli officials have long expressed alarm that such a deal could eventually enable Saudi enrichment of uranium, potentially triggering a regional arms race. Netanyahu has privately urged the White House to include strict non-proliferation clauses, including a ban on enrichment and reprocessing, but US negotiators have signaled flexibility to secure Saudi normalization with Israel. The meeting is expected to feature intense behind-the-scenes bargaining over the language of the agreement.

F-35 sale to Turkey reopens old wounds

Another divisive issue is the proposed sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey, a NATO ally that was removed from the program after purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems. The Trump administration has recently signaled openness to reconsidering the ban, a move that Israel views as a direct threat to its qualitative military edge. Israeli defense officials fear that Turkey's acquisition of the advanced jets could shift the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially given Ankara's increasingly assertive posture. Netanyahu is expected to press Trump to maintain the suspension and seek alternative security guarantees.

Gaza and Lebanon operations under scrutiny

The extent of Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon has also emerged as a point of friction. While the US has generally supported Israel's right to self-defense, the Biden-era policies had pushed for de-escalation, and Trump's team has taken a more hawkish stance. However, recent escalations along the Gaza border and Hezbollah's growing missile arsenal have led to divergent views on how aggressive Israel should be. Netanyahu is likely to request a green light for preemptive strikes or expanded operations, while the US side may urge restraint to avoid wider conflict. The two leaders will also discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to secure the release of hostages.

Broader implications for US-Israel relations

The outcome of the meeting will have far-reaching consequences for the US-Israel alliance and the broader Middle East. If Netanyahu secures concessions on the Saudi nuclear deal and the Turkish F-35 sale, it could reaffirm the special relationship and bolster his domestic standing. Conversely, a failure to resolve these differences might strain ties and embolden adversaries. As both leaders navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, their ability to find common ground will be closely watched by allies and rivals alike.