Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday (July 27), where he said he would meet U.S. President Donald Trump for their first face-to-face talks since the start of ‌their conflict with Iran.

Netanyahu will also attend U.S. Senator Lindsey ⁠Graham's funeral, he said.

It will be Netanyahu's eighth meeting with Trump since the U.S. president returned to office, and their first since February, right before Israel and the United States launched a joint aerial campaign against Iran.

"In these complex times, you need to act with both great determination and great wisdom. We will discuss all the issues ⁠on the agenda, primarily Iran. Of course, our goal is to protect our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us," Netanyahu said in a video statement upon departure.

Israel had not taken part in a two-week U.S. bombing campaign this month that provoked Tehran to fire on U.S. bases in response.

Trump halted the campaign over the weekend. Iran said it would suspend its own attacks for as long as the U.S. pause endures. Israel has warned Tehran that any attack would trigger a forceful Israeli response.

Netanyahu has in recent weeks acknowledged ‌that ⁠he and Trump have had some differences, as Israeli and U.S. interests in the region appeared to diverge.

An acrimonious phone call in June where the president called the prime minister "fucking crazy", first leaked to the media and later publicly confirmed by Trump himself, laid bare the strains that have at times emerged between the ⁠two leaders.

A meeting with Trump that showcases what has traditionally been ⁠a close relationship between the two leaders could help Netanyahu at home, where he is facing an October 27 election and is struggling in opinion polls.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Netanyahu heads to U.S., says Iran tops Trump talks, will attend Graham funeral

VIDEO SHOWS: SOUNDBITES FROM ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU FROM AIRPORT AHEAD OF HIS DEPARTURE TO WASHINGTON TO MEET PRESIDENT TRUMP AND ATTEND SENATOR GRAHAM'S FUNERAL

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: UNKNOWN LOCATION, ISRAEL (JULY 27, 2026) (GPO - Access all)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU (STANDING IN FRONT OF PLANE, NEXT TO HIS WIFE SARA NETANYAHU), SAYING:

"I am on my way to Washington for a meeting with our friend, the President of the United States, Donald Trump. This will be my eighth meeting with him since he was elected president for his second term, more than with any other international leader. It is a great privilege, but it is also a great responsibility. From my experience as prime minister, I know that in these complex times we must act with both great determination and great wisdom."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU (STANDING IN FRONT OF PLANE, NEXT TO HIS WIFE SARA NETANYAHU), SAYING:

"We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, foremost among them Iran. Of course, our goal is to safeguard our security while also expanding the circle of peace around us."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU (STANDING IN FRONT OF PLANE, NEXT TO HIS WIFE SARA NETANYAHU), SAYING:, SAYING:

"I am embarking on this mission with one clear objective: to ensure the security, strength, and future of our beloved State of Israel. I am also travelling with another purpose, to pay my final respects to our friend, a true friend of mine and of the State of Israel, Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest friends Israel has ever had. I am certain that, in this regard, I also represent you, the citizens of Israel.