By Emmanuel Bobby
President Donald Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit the United States next week, with the two leaders scheduled to meet at the White House as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
Trump revealed the upcoming visit during remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where he also took aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. In a series of political jabs, Trump criticized Schumer’s positions on Israel and joked that he would send the senator a traditional Palestinian outfit ahead of Netanyahu’s arrival.
The president’s comments came as his administration continues to coordinate closely with Israel amid renewed military operations involving Iran and growing instability throughout the region.
Netanyahu’s Office Confirms Washington Trip
Israeli officials confirmed that Netanyahu will travel to Washington early next week at Trump’s invitation.
According to the Israeli prime minister’s office, Netanyahu is scheduled to depart for the United States on Monday and is expected to meet with Trump at the White House on July 28.
The visit will also include Netanyahu’s attendance at the funeral service for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a longtime supporter of the U.S.-Israel alliance and one of Israel’s strongest advocates in the Senate.
The White House meeting is expected to focus heavily on regional security, military cooperation, and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Meeting Comes Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
Netanyahu’s visit arrives during a period of heightened military tensions across the Middle East.
The United States has resumed military strikes targeting Iranian positions, while Iran has responded with attacks aimed at U.S. military installations located throughout the region.
The renewed fighting follows a breakdown in efforts to stabilize the situation after a ceasefire reached last month. That agreement had called for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways through which a significant portion of global oil and natural gas shipments passes.
Despite the ceasefire, Iran later launched attacks on multiple commercial vessels operating in the strait, triggering a new round of military exchanges between Washington and Tehran.
Trump recently told reporters that the U.S. military remains fully prepared to intensify operations against Iran if circumstances require additional action.
ICC Arrest Warrant Continues to Spark Debate
Netanyahu’s trip also comes amid continued international controversy surrounding an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC charged Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in 2024 with crimes connected to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in hundreds of hostages being taken.
Israel has strongly rejected the allegations, arguing that its military operations constitute legitimate self-defense against Hamas.
The United States has likewise criticized the ICC’s actions involving Israeli officials.
New York Mayor Addressed Possibility of Arrest
The upcoming visit has also drawn attention following comments made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani regarding the ICC warrant.
Earlier this year, Mamdani suggested his administration was reviewing whether New York City could enforce the international arrest warrant should Netanyahu visit the city during the United Nations General Assembly later this year.
However, after reviewing applicable laws, Mamdani later stated that city officials do not possess independent legal authority to execute an ICC warrant.
He said that while municipal officials examined every available legal option, enforcement authority ultimately rests with the federal government rather than local authorities.
Trump Says Netanyahu Will Not Be Arrested
President Trump has dismissed any possibility that Netanyahu could face legal action while visiting the United States.
The president stated that the Israeli leader “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form” during his visit, emphasizing his administration’s support for Israel and its prime minister.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the International Criminal Court, arguing that it lacks jurisdiction over Israeli officials and has unfairly targeted one of America’s closest allies.
U.S. Continues Opposition to ICC Actions
The Trump administration has taken additional steps against the International Criminal Court over its investigations involving Israel.
In December 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed sanctions on two ICC judges, accusing them of participating in what the administration described as the court’s improper and politically motivated targeting of Israeli leaders.
Administration officials argued that the sanctions were intended to defend U.S. allies from international legal actions they believe exceed the court’s authority.
High-Level Talks Expected
With military tensions continuing to escalate across the Middle East, Netanyahu’s visit is expected to include extensive discussions on regional security, U.S.-Israel defense cooperation, Iran’s military activities, and broader strategic coordination between the two allies.
The meeting will mark another high-profile engagement between Trump and Netanyahu at a time when developments in the Middle East remain at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy and international attention.
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