A bipartisan group of senators is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of his multi-day visit to Washington. The meeting, first reported by POLITICO, will include Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as well as a host of other Republican and Democratic senators, though details remain private. Netanyahu’s visit comes as the Trump administration faces criticism from Democrats and a small number of Republicans for not seeking authorization from Congress over its recent strikes against Iran.
Netanyahu, who has been a vocal advocate for targeting Iran’s nuclear program, lobbied President Trump to take action following Israel’s own strikes on Iran. The White House is also pushing for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, with Netanyahu meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump on Monday. The Senate meeting is expected to address the growing tension between the U.S. administration’s policies on Iran and the broader Middle East strategy.
While Netanyahu’s visit to Washington includes meetings with various members of Congress, it remains unclear whether House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will also join the discussions. A spokesperson for Jeffries did not comment on potential meetings with Netanyahu during his Capitol Hill visit. This meeting underscores the political and strategic importance of Netanyahu’s visit, as the U.S. seeks to balance its relationships with Israel and Iran amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
As the Trump administration continues to face scrutiny over its military actions in the Middle East, the Senate meeting with Netanyahu is likely to be a key moment in shaping the next steps in U.S. foreign policy. The discussion will also center around the potential for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, with Netanyahu’s engagement with senior U.S. officials indicating a possible shift in the administration’s stance. However, the lack of clear congressional authorization for the strikes on Iran remains a contentious issue, highlighting the complex interplay between executive power and legislative oversight in Washington.