Netanyahu Discloses Washington Agenda, Iran Talks Top List

Ahead of his departure for Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a cabinet meeting, outlining the key objectives of his U.S. visit. He confirmed a scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump at the latter's invitation, where all issues on the current agenda will be discussed, with the Iran situation taking center stage.

Itinerary: From Political Talks to a Memorial

Netanyahu detailed a packed schedule with multiple layers of significance:

  • The primary engagement is a face-to-face discussion with President Trump.
  • This will be followed by attendance at a memorial service for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, whom Netanyahu described as a "great friend of Israel."
The visit is seen as a crucial step in aligning U.S.-Israeli positions amid regional tensions.

ICC Controversy: Netanyahu Launches Scathing Critique of Former Prosecutor

Another major focus of the meeting was the recent removal of International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. Netanyahu offered a sharp and critical assessment of the development.

Allegations and Perceived Motives

The Israeli leader argued that the vote outcome revealed a dual reality:

  • Karim Khan himself faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment against female subordinates.
  • More critically, he had actively pursued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Netanyahu interpreted the prosecutor's actions as a tactical maneuver designed to "divert attention" from his personal scandals, while "uniting all of Israel's enemies" and creating a "protective umbrella" for himself.

U.S. Signals Firm Stance

The diplomatic dimension of the issue is also advancing. Netanyahu disclosed a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio indicated that the United States intends to take "strong action" against the ICC, foreshadowing potential external pressure on the court from one of its most powerful allies. This statement provides substantial international backing for Israel's position on the matter.