Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mounted a high-profile diplomatic push on Tuesday, using a solemn setting to engage key figures in President Trump’s Cabinet as concerns intensify that Israel may be preparing to broaden its war with Iran.
The funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral became, for Netanyahu, an unexpected stage for quiet but visible political networking among some of the administration’s most influential players.
Netanyahu was seen moving through the gathering alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. He also appeared to hold a close conversation with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Hegseth’s wife.
The Israeli leader was also observed in the orbit of senior Trump advisers and administration power brokers, including Stephen Miller, Steve Witkoff, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, and Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin.
Body language expert Judi James said Netanyahu’s highly engaged style — “mingling in the heart of the cabinet in a very active way” — stood in sharp contrast to the demeanor of Volodymyr Zelensky.
“As Bibi worked the group Zelensky was seen sitting in his pew a few rows back, looking around in silence,” James said. She added that Netanyahu displayed “non-verbal signs of affection, friendship and, at times, intensity” even during what appeared to be casual conversation.
James noted that Hegseth, at one point standing with folded arms, appeared to be engaged in a “deep discussion” with Netanyahu, while laughter and “mutual patting” between the two suggested a notably warm rapport.
Yet behind the outward show of solidarity, unease is reportedly growing in private among Republican lawmakers.
Netanyahu arrives at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a charm offensive in Washington on Tuesday, working the room with top Trump Cabinet members following a critical White House meeting with President Donald Trump , even as anxiety grows among Republicans that Israel could drag the US into an expanding war with Iran
Behind the scenes, conservatives are increasingly vocal in their concern that Netanyahu’s uncompromising posture could embroil the US in a prolonged, wider military campaign across the Middle East.
With the US midterm elections in November, Republicans are aware of growing public hesitation over deep involvement in foreign entanglements as well as economic weariness over continual high prices.
As Trump prepared to board Air Force One for a trip to Michigan on Monday, he sought to project confidence while acknowledging the subtle rift over what comes next.
He told reporters that Bibi has been great and was a wartime prime minister, adding that they did very well together.
While admitting the two leaders have ‘a little difference’ over the next phase of the campaign against Iran, Trump stressed that their core positions remain ‘pretty close.’
Today marks the eighth face-to-face meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since the president re-entered the White House, and their first in-person encounter since a secretive, behind-closed-doors session on February 11.
During that pivotal February meeting, Netanyahu presented Trump and senior national security officials with detailed military strike options and pushed the case for Iranian regime change.
Just weeks later, on February 28, Trump launched Operation Epic Fury, a massive joint US-Israeli air campaign that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei alongside key members of his inner circle.
Now, months after Operation Epic Fury, the alliance stands at a delicate crossroads.
While both leaders remain strictly aligned on denying Tehran nuclear weapons, they appear divided on the scope, timing and ultimate strategic goals of future military actions.
Speaking to reporters at Nevatim Air Base before takeoff, the prime minister stated that he was on his way to Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump, marking his eighth meeting with him since his second election, more than any other international leader
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum
Netanyahu pictured here in the Oval Office with President Trump and Vice President Vance. Behind the scenes, conservative figures are increasingly vocal in their concern that Netanyahu’s uncompromising posture could embroil the United States in a prolonged, wider military campaign across the Middle East
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who also met with Trump earlier in the day, was among the international attendees paying tribute to Graham, a staunch champion for both Israel and Ukraine who remained a vocal advocate for aggressive action against Tehran until his death
Netanyahu and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the day of the funeral service for late Senator Lindsey Graham
Israel is set to hold general elections at the end of October with Netanyahu trailing in several domestic opinion polls, leaving both leaders under immense pressure to show voters they can bring the conflict to a decisive end.
Before departing Israel for the US capital, Netanyahu framed the trip as a mission vital for national survival.
He added that they would discuss all issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran, with the clear objective of ensuring the security, strength and future of the State of Israel, while also paying final respects to Lindsey Graham, one of the ‘greatest friends Israel has ever known.’
Netanyahu will also meet with Congressional leaders before departing Wednesday.
