A warm Trump welcome to Netanyahu
President says he may visit Israel soon to open U.S. embassy in Jerusalem
Washington — President Donald Trump said he may soon visit Israel to open a new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem as he offered a warm welcome Monday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — one that included no public mention of the potentially career-ending inquiry that followed the long-serving Israeli leader to Washington.
“I may go for the planned May opening of the embassy,” Trump said. “We’re looking at coming. If I can, I will.”
Netanyahu said of Trump’s decision: “This will be remembered by our people through the ages. Others talked about it. You did it.”
The relocated embassy Trump would inaugurate is actually a refitted office that will serve as the vanguard U.S. diplomatic headquarters until a permanent structure is built years from now.
Trump boasted Monday that he is building it for a mere $250,000, instead of what he said was a $1 billion government “order.”
He appeared to be referring only to the initial office. The permanent structure is estimated to take roughly a decade to be built and could easily cost $1 billion.
The two leaders, who have formed a personal bond closer than any Trump has with other world leaders, gave no sign that the corruption allegations, which Netanyahu denies, were coloring their meeting.
Trump said the relationship between the two countries “has never been better” and said he considers Israel “a special place.”
Trump noted that other presidents hesitated to move the embassy from Tel Aviv and said that his decision can clear the air for an eventual peace deal.
Palestinians disagree, saying the embassy decision spoils chances for peace, by appearing to write off their claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.
Netanyahu arrived at the White House early Monday afternoon, just hours after reports from Israel said a former media adviser and confidant has turned state’s witness in a far-reaching bribery case.
In what appeared to be a sign of the political importance of the session to Netanyahu, the White House changed plans Monday morning and announced that reporters and cameras would be allowed into what had been an Oval Office meeting closed to the media.
Netanyahu’s praise of Trump and his upending of U.S. policy on Jerusalem was meant as a sign of political strength at home — it aired during the much-watched evening news period in Israel — and it hinted at the stakes for the veteran leader.
“I have been here for nearly four decades,” Netanyahu said, referring to his long career in Israeli politics. “Talking, seeking to build the American-Israeli alliance.”
“The people of Israel see your position on Jerusalem, on Iran, your magnificent defense of Israel and truth at the United Nations,” Netanyahu said.
And as prime minister, he said, he sees something his citizens cannot in the deep and interdependent intelligence and defense networks the two allies have built. Trump nodded repeatedly as Netanyahu spoke.
“Thank you for your leadership. And thank for your tremendous friendship,” Netanyahu said as Trump smiled.