Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington today under unusual security arrangements
By Bernard Moerdler,
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington today under unusual security arrangements, taking off from Nevatim Air Base in the Negev rather than Ben Gurion Airport, from where he normally leaves for state visits. His office did not announce the takeoff time in advance and gave no explanation for the change.
The move to a military base was a security precaution taken in light of a potential Iranian threat, according to Channel 12. Netanyahu's cabinet meeting on Sunday was relocated from his office to an undisclosed underground location for the same reason. His office also barred Israel's diplomatic press pool from traveling with him aboard the state aircraft Wing of Zion, without explanation. The flight, originally set for 11 a.m., was delayed two hours and left shortly before 1 p.m.
Netanyahu is to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, their first meeting in more than five months and his eighth with Trump since the president's second term began. "We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran," Netanyahu said in a video statement before boarding. "Our goal is to safeguard our security while also expanding the circle of peace around us." He said he was traveling with one objective, to ensure the security, strength and future of Israel.
Netanyahu will also attend a memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he called one of Israel's greatest friends. The visit comes during a lull in the war, after the Pentagon suspended its bombing campaign late Friday with no US strikes reported over the weekend and Iran holding its fire in turn.
The Iran agenda aside, the two leaders are expected to discuss Gaza, where the security cabinet on Sunday approved limited entry of an International Stabilization Force, as well as Lebanon and the US civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Topics: Iran, Lebanon & Hezbollah, Gaza
Reported by Bernard Moerdler for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.