US President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting with him, which could take place as early as next week at the White House following Trump's return from the NATO summit.
"We get along very well. [Netanyahu] knows who the boss is," Trump said in a brief phone interview with Axios.
If it goes ahead, the meeting would mark the first in-person talks between the two leaders since their White House Situation Room meeting, where Netanyahu reportedly presented a proposal for joint military action against Iran.
Aan Israeli official said a visit next week appears unlikely because of Trump's scheduled trip to Turkey for the annual NATO summit on July 7-8. "It might take place the week after," the official said.
Earlier, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said Netanyahu spoke with Trump on Friday, with both leaders agreeing to meet in the United States in the near future.
"During their conversation, the Prime Minister said that the United States is a guarantor of global freedom, and that Israel greatly values the close relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet soon in the United States," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.
The planned meeting comes amid reports of growing strains in the relationship between the two leaders, particularly after Israel opposed efforts by the Trump administration to negotiate a ceasefire with Iran.
According to Axios, members of Trump's inner circle have become increasingly sceptical of Netanyahu in the months since their February meeting.
Last month, Trump publicly criticised Netanyahu over Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon, warning that they could undermine diplomatic efforts involving Iran. He reportedly described the Israeli prime minister as "crazy" and accused him of showing ingratitude.
Despite Netanyahu's reservations, Trump signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last month extending the ceasefire with Iran and launching a new round of nuclear negotiations. He also urged Netanyahu to scale back Israeli military operations in Lebanon and support a framework agreement that includes an initial Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
According to Axios, a White House meeting would also carry significant political value for Netanyahu as he prepares for Israel's October elections, with recent opinion polls showing him trailing his political rivals.
