Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu travels quietly to Washington

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington under extraordinary security measures amid growing concerns over potential threats from Iran. According to media reports, Netanyahu traveled discreetly and avoided the country’s main international airport, reflecting heightened security precautions ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Reports stated that instead of departing from the usual Ben Gurion International Airport, Netanyahu left Israel aboard a special aircraft from Nevatim Air Base, a military facility in southern Israel. The unusual departure arrangements were reportedly made due to security concerns related to possible threats from Iran.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office did not announce the departure time in advance and did not issue an official explanation for the extraordinary security measures. However, Israeli media cited security sources as saying that the changes were implemented because of concerns about potential Iranian threats.

According to the reports, security precautions were also tightened within Israel before Netanyahu’s departure. Sources said that Sunday’s Israeli cabinet meeting was not held at the Prime Minister’s Office, as is customary. Instead, the meeting reportedly took place at a secret underground location for security reasons. Officials did not publicly disclose the exact location or provide additional details about the decision.

Media also reported another unusual step taken during the visit preparations. Unlike previous foreign trips, Israeli authorities did not allow members of the Israeli diplomatic press corps to accompany Prime Minister Netanyahu aboard the official government aircraft. No formal explanation was given for excluding journalists from the flight, although reports suggested that the decision was linked to heightened security concerns.

Netanyahu has now arrived in Washington, where he is expected to hold high-level talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting is anticipated to focus on several major regional and international issues, with Iran expected to dominate the agenda.

Following his departure for the United States, Netanyahu shared a statement on social media outlining the objectives of his visit. He said that his discussions with President Trump would cover a wide range of issues affecting Israel and the Middle East. According to the Israeli leader, Iran would be the top priority during the meeting because of ongoing regional tensions and security concerns.

Netanyahu stated that Israel’s primary goal remains ensuring the country’s security, strengthening its national defense, and expanding what he described as the “circle of peace” around Israel. He emphasized that cooperation with the United States continues to play a vital role in addressing regional challenges and promoting stability.

The visit comes at a time of continued tensions between Israel and Iran, with both countries accusing each other of actions that threaten regional security. Analysts believe that discussions between Netanyahu and President Trump are likely to include Iran’s nuclear program, regional security, military cooperation, and broader strategic relations between the United States and Israel.

In his statement, Netanyahu also said that he intends to express his condolences to President Trump over the passing of Lindsey Graham whom he described as a true friend of Israel.
The Washington meeting is expected to be closely watched by international observers, as its outcomes could influence future U.S.-Israel cooperation and regional diplomatic developments.