Trump reads children's book on Usha Vance's podcast, then riffs on past presidents and himself

Trump, Netanyahu agree to meet in the US soon during phone call

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have agreed to meet in the United States in the near future following a phone conversation on Friday, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic activity in West Asia and after recent reports of differences between the two leaders over efforts to end the regional conflict. According to the PMO, Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and hailed the close ties between Washington and Jerusalem. "The US is what ensures the freedom of the world, and Israel greatly appreciates the tight bond between the nations," Netanyahu said during the conversation, according to the statement. The PMO added that both leaders agreed to hold an in-person meeting in the United States "soon", although no date or venue was announced. The phone call assumes significance as it comes against the backdrop of reports suggesting strains between Trump and Netanyahu in recent weeks. While Washington remains Israel's closest ally, the two leaders were reported to have differed over the approach to ending the conflict with Iran and broader regional de-escalation efforts. Trump had also publicly expressed frustration over some of Israel's military actions , particularly operations in Lebanon that were seen as complicating US diplomatic efforts involving Iran. Despite those reports, officials on both sides have maintained that the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel remains strong, and that close coordination continues on key regional issues. It will also mark their first in-person meeting since tensions surfaced over the direction of US policy in West Asia.