Trump agreed to meet Netanyahu for two reasons - assessment
Donald Trump agreed to meet Benjamin Netanyahu despite displeasure over the leak of information about an Iranian nuclear facility. Reasons: Netanyahu's approval of the Gaza plan and the need to engage with him as head of a transitional government.
Donald Trump agreed to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite displeasure over the leak of information about a secret Iranian facility under Mount Picax. According to Ynet, Netanyahu leaked data to the media about Iran moving about a thousand uranium enrichment centrifuges, undermining Trump's claims of completely dismantling Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Trump also faced internal pressure from Republicans advocating a tough approach to Iran. However, the US president agreed to the meeting for two reasons. First: Netanyahu secured cabinet approval of the 20-point Gaza Peace Council plan, which includes deploying an international contingent. Second: Trump may need to engage with Netanyahu as head of a transitional government, since US midterm elections will occur shortly after Israeli elections, and a new Israeli government likely won't be formed by then. The meeting was strategic, brief, and attended by senior US officials, precluding accusations of secret deals.