Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelensky are at the White House today for separate talks with Donald Trump — a diplomatic convergence triggered by the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, but overshadowed by war, friction and a fresh accusation that Russia helped Iran target US troops.
Zelensky arrived in Washington carrying intelligence he says proves Moscow shared satellite imagery with Tehran, enabling Iran to strike US military bases in the Middle East. The Ukrainian president plans to press Trump for stronger anti-ballistic missile defences. Trump told reporters he will “find out if that’s true” and “ask Putin about it.”
“Trump holds separate talks with Netanyahu and Zelensky at White House amid Iran war and Russia allegations.”
For Netanyahu, the meeting is his first in-person with Trump since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on 28 February. It comes amid growing signs of strain: Trump has publicly criticised Israel for continuing strikes in Lebanon and ignoring a ceasefire. Recent polling shows public backing for Israel decreasing in the US, where support for Netanyahu has become a dividing issue ahead of midterm primaries.
Both leaders are in Washington to attend the funeral of Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator who died earlier this month aged 71. Graham was a vocal advocate for Ukraine and an unwavering supporter of Israel’s war on Gaza. “I’ll stand with Israel until the day I die. It is our greatest ally,” he told The Jerusalem Post months ago.
A tribute ceremony will be held at 10am ET (3pm BST) at the US Capitol, where Vice-President JD Vance will deliver remarks. The main funeral service follows at 2pm ET (7pm BST) at Washington National Cathedral, with Trump speaking.
Before that, Trump’s schedule is packed: Zelensky is due at the White House at 9.30am ET (2.30pm BST), followed by Netanyahu at 11am ET (4pm BST). The Israeli prime minister, who has not formally announced his arrival in the US, described it as a “great privilege” to be the leader Trump has met most since the election.
The conversations will test whether personal diplomacy can bridge widening gaps — between Trump and Netanyahu over Lebanon, and between Washington and Kyiv over who is really arming America’s enemies.