Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's latest visit to the United States focused on military options against Iran and Turkey's regional influence. According to an article written for AA Analysis by Marmara University lecturer Dr. Selim Han Yeniacun, the July 28, 2026 meeting once again revealed the limits of Netanyahu's influence over the Trump administration.
Timeline of the Visits
Netanyahu engaged in intensive diplomatic activity as Trump's second term began. In February 2025, Trump announced a plan to relocate Palestinians to other countries and turn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East." During an April 2025 meeting, Netanyahu sought backing for military intervention in Iran, while Trump declared that direct talks with Tehran would begin.
In July 2025, talks covered the Gaza ceasefire, Israeli prisoners, and the aftermath of the 12-day Iran War. September 2025 saw Trump's 20-point Gaza plan, while December 2025 focused on disarming Hamas and the renewed possibility of targeting Iran. In February 2026, Trump showed his determination to pursue diplomacy with Iran despite Netanyahu's objections.
July 28 Meeting: Iran and Turkey
Iran dominated the latest meeting, which lasted about 90 minutes and was held behind closed doors. Three options were considered: a diplomatic agreement with Tehran, ramping up economic and military pressure, or launching new large-scale attacks. Netanyahu advocated for the military option, whereas Trump emphasized the Iran War's impact on energy prices, the Strait of Hormuz, and the approaching midterm elections.
Trump's reaction to intelligence leaked from Israel before the meeting and his remark that Netanyahu was trying to keep him entangled in the Iran War laid bare the trust issues between the two leaders.
Turkey, meanwhile, came up via the F-35s and Syria. Netanyahu presented Trump with a map claiming Turkey had a military presence in about 5 percent of Syria while Israel had only 0.1 percent. However, this comparison ignored the fact that Turkey's presence is based on cooperation with the Syrian government, whereas Israel's is an occupation. Netanyahu also accused Turkey of "trying to re-establish the Ottoman Empire."
Turkey's Growing Regional Influence
The analysis argues that Turkey's increased weight in Washington cannot be attributed solely to the personal bond between Trump and President Erdoğan. Turkey has emerged as an actor capable of mediating in the Russia-Ukraine war, wielding influence in Syria's new political order, playing a role in Gaza negotiations, and working to contain tensions in the Iran crisis. With NATO's second-largest army, a growing defense industry, and a strategic location, Turkey has become an indispensable partner for the United States.
Economic ties also supported this rapprochement. Merchandise trade between the US and Turkey reached $36.8 billion in 2025, while US exports to Turkey rose 32.7 percent.
Netanyahu's Anti-Turkey Rhetoric
Netanyahu's government sought to transform Turkey's rising influence into a domestic threat narrative. On American TV, the Israeli premier claimed that supplying F-35s to Turkey would undermine Israel's air superiority. Part of the Israeli press backed this discourse, while outlets such as Haaretz noted that Netanyahu was casting Turkey as an external enemy ahead of the coming elections. Commentaries in Israel Hayom, on the other hand, stated that Trump still regarded Erdoğan as a "friend and ally."
US Support for Israel Wanes
Netanyahu's visits to Washington do not signal the end of the US-Israel alliance, but they show that Israel's sway in American foreign policy is changing. The devastation in Gaza, the cost of the Iran War, and Netanyahu's alignment with the Republican Party have eroded bipartisan backing for Israel. A June 2026 survey found that 48 percent of American voters believed Washington was providing excessive support to Israel.
In conclusion, it is difficult to say that Netanyahu reasserted his influence over Trump at the July 28 meeting. While Israel remains a key security partner for the US, this partnership does not grant Netanyahu a limitless veto over Turkey.
