After dealing a blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump is anticipated to use U.S. military backing as a key point in his upcoming talks with Netanyahu.

Trump and Netanyahu Set to Meet Amid Rising Security Concerns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will sit down with President Donald Trump on Monday, just weeks after U.S. airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear program in coordination with Israeli operations.

While both leaders have celebrated what the Pentagon claims was a two-year setback to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, multiple unresolved security issues are expected to dominate their discussions.

Strengthening U.S.-Israel Strategic Ties

“This conflict has ushered in a new era of U.S.-Israel strategic partnership,” said John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). He emphasized the significance of the recent joint strikes against Iran, calling it an unprecedented collaboration between the two nations against a shared adversary.

Experts believe Netanyahu will seek to solidify U.S. military and political support during the meeting, while Trump may highlight Washington’s role in recent operations as a bargaining chip for broader regional goals.

Gaza Conflict and Hostage Negotiations

Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to see the war in Gaza brought to an end and for all hostages — including two Americans — to be released. However, his envoy Steve Witkoff has so far failed to broker a deal acceptable to both Israel and Hamas, largely due to disagreements over ending Israeli military actions and establishing a post-war plan for Gaza.

Trump is expected to press Netanyahu for progress on these fronts, leveraging U.S. military support provided during the Iran strikes.

Expanding the Abraham Accords

During his first term, Trump’s Abraham Accords marked a diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East. Now, he hopes to revive and expand those efforts by encouraging normalization between Israel and Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia.

However, Saudi officials have made it clear that closer ties with Jerusalem depend on a resolution to the Gaza conflict. Trump will likely need to carefully balance pressure on Netanyahu with incentives to encourage both Israeli and Arab cooperation.

“If Netanyahu takes bold steps to conclude the war and recover the hostages, with Trump’s backing, the door could quickly open for renewed talks with Saudi Arabia and other key regional players,” Hannah explained.

Military Aid and Political Leverage

Despite the U.S. cutting back previously promised aid to Ukraine, experts say Trump is unlikely to reduce military assistance to Israel, especially given the need to replenish air defense systems and munitions. However, this continued support gives Trump additional leverage as he pushes for an end to the Gaza war.

“Trump feels he’s done Israel a major favor with the Iran strikes and now expects Netanyahu to deliver by ending the conflict,” said Michael Makovsky, JINSA’s president.

The high-stakes meeting could reshape U.S.-Israeli relations and influence broader Middle East diplomacy in the months ahead.