Relations between the two leaders have appeared strained at times, with Trump reportedly unleashing profanity-laced tirades against Netanyahu during April's ceasefire negotiations and later calling him a "very difficult guy". Netanyahu has downplayed these as "tactical disagreements", insisting they are aligned on the war's goals.

Tuesday's meeting will be their eighth since Trump returned to office last year. "This is a great privilege, but also a great responsibility", Netanyahu said before departing Israel. The discussions are expected to be dominated by the Iran war, as Washington says it wants to give negotiations a chance. The leaders will also address implementation of a US-sponsored framework deal signed with Lebanon last month, whose application on the ground has been challenging. Gaza is also on the agenda, with reconstruction efforts at a standstill and the humanitarian situation remaining dire nearly three years after the Israel-Hamas war began. International relations expert Yonatan Freeman of Hebrew University said the primary aim of the visit is to dispel reports of a cooling in ties. "The main issue is to show the world, to show Iran, and even Lebanon... that there is no break or any major disagreement between the United States and Israel", he told AFP. Freeman suggested any differences concern tactics - timeline, intensity, and immediate objectives - rather than the war's overall goals. He noted Trump would likely focus on Iran and expanding the Abraham Accords rather than Gaza. Other observers believe the talks could address easing Israel's military presence in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza. Netanyahu's visit comes months ahead of Israeli national elections, where recent polls show him trailing, with public anger still lingering over his government's failure to prevent Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. (Bssnews)