US President Donald Trump held two consecutive closed-door meetings at the White House on July 28, 2026, first with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and then with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both leaders were in Washington to attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham.
Patriot missiles and diplomacy with Zelenskyy
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy lasted about an hour. Afterward, the Ukrainian leader posted on social media: “We had a productive meeting with President Trump. I thanked him for all we are doing together to protect Ukrainian lives and advance peace.” Zelenskyy also extended condolences for Graham, calling him a true friend of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said the talks covered licensing for Patriot missile production and other proposals, along with the importance of reviving diplomatic efforts. Teams from both sides will work out further details. Ukrainian media had reported that the two leaders were expected to discuss a potential air ceasefire proposal to be presented to Russia.
Iran-focused discussion with Netanyahu
Trump then met with Netanyahu and Vice President JD Vance behind closed doors. Netanyahu released a video calling it “one of the best meetings I’ve had with President Trump,” emphasizing “full cooperation, mutual support, and complete agreement on our shared goals, especially preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.” He added that the meeting was an opportunity to coordinate on matters vital for Israel’s security and future.
An unnamed senior Israeli official told Yedioth Ahronot that the agenda centered on Iran and the meeting was very positive. “You could see the chemistry between the leaders. Trump and Netanyahu reaffirmed their joint goal of stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.” The official also said they discussed various Middle East opportunities, including expanding US-Israel cooperation and the Abraham Accords. Another Israeli official claimed that Trump did not demand Israeli withdrawal from Syria, Lebanon, or the Gaza Strip.
Tzipi Hotovely, head of Israel’s National Public Diplomacy Directorate, told reporters that the issue of Kazma Dağı did not come up during the meeting, dismissing reports that Israel had arrived with intelligence information as “completely baseless.”
