Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's latest visit to the US focused on the Iranian threat and Turkey's growing regional role. According to an article by Marmara University faculty member Dr. Selim Han Yeniacun for AA Analysis, the July 28, 2026, meeting once again demonstrated the limits of Netanyahu's influence over US President Donald Trump.
Timeline of Netanyahu's Visits
Netanyahu engaged in a flurry of visits to Washington following the start of Trump's second term. In February 2025, Trump unveiled his plan envisioning the relocation of Palestinians to other countries and the transformation of Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Middle East.' At the April 2025 meeting, while Netanyahu sought support for a military intervention against Iran, Trump announced that direct negotiations with Tehran would begin.
In July 2025, the Gaza ceasefire, Israeli captives, and the aftermath of the 12-day Iran War were discussed. In September 2025, Trump's 20-point Gaza plan was on the table, and in December 2025, the possibility of disarming Hamas and re-targeting Iran was discussed. In February 2026, despite Netanyahu's objections, Trump demonstrated his determination to continue the diplomatic option with Iran.
Latest Meeting: Iran and Turkey on the Agenda
The July 28 meeting, which lasted approximately 90 minutes and was held behind closed doors, centered on Iran. Three options were assessed: a diplomatic agreement with Tehran, increased economic and military pressure, or comprehensive new strikes. While Netanyahu pushed the military option, Trump focused on the cost of the Iran War on energy prices, the Strait of Hormuz, and the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump's reaction before the meeting to the intelligence leaked from Israel and his remark that Netanyahu was trying to keep him entangled in the Iran War laid bare the trust issue between the two leaders.
Turkey, meanwhile, came onto the agenda via the F-35s and Syria. Netanyahu presented Trump with a map, claiming that Turkey maintains a military presence in about 5 percent of Syria, while Israel’s is only 0.1 percent. However, this comparison ignored the fact that Turkey’s presence is based on cooperation with the Syrian administration, while Israel’s amounts to occupation. Netanyahu also accused Turkey of 'trying to reestablish the Ottoman Empire.'
Turkey's Growing Importance with the US
According to the analysis, Turkey's growing clout in Washington cannot be reduced to the personal relationship between Trump and President Erdoğan. Turkey has become an actor that can mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war, exerts influence in Syria's new political order, plays a role in Gaza negotiations, and seeks to limit tensions in the Iran crisis. Its possession of NATO's second-largest army, a developing defense industry, and a strategic location have made Turkey an indispensable partner for the US.
Economic ties also supported this rapprochement. While goods trade between the US and Turkey reached $36.8 billion in 2025, US exports to Turkey rose by 32.7 percent.
Netanyahu's Anti-Turkey Stance in Domestic Politics
The Netanyahu government sought to turn Turkey's growing influence into a threat narrative in domestic politics. The Israeli prime minister argued on American television that providing F-35s to Turkey would compromise Israel's air superiority. While part of the Israeli press supported this discourse, outlets like Haaretz wrote that Netanyahu was positioning Turkey as a foreign enemy ahead of the upcoming elections. Comments in Israel Hayom, however, noted that Trump continued to view Erdoğan as a 'friend and ally.'
US Support for Israel Waning
While Netanyahu's Washington visits do not signify the end of the US-Israel alliance, they do indicate a shift in Israel's weight within American foreign policy. The devastation in Gaza, the cost of the Iran War, and Netanyahu's Republican-centric politics have weakened bipartisan support for Israel. In a June 2026 poll, 48 percent of American voters thought Washington gave Israel too much support.
In conclusion, it is difficult to say that Netanyahu reconsolidated his influence over Trump at the July 28 meeting. While Israel remains an important security partner for the US, this partnership does not grant Netanyahu unlimited veto power over Turkey.
