Netanyahu’s office denies report he seeks Trump’s backing for Iran strike

Israel has denied a Channel 12 report claiming the Prime Minister is seeking US President Donald Trump’s support for a military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites and normalization with Saudi Arabia before advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

Netanyahu’s office dismissed the claims as “a total lie that harms the families of the hostages,” Times of Israel reported.

The report alleged that Netanyahu’s plan included delaying negotiations with Hamas for several months while Trump approves an attack on Iran and seals a deal with Saudi Arabia, like those done with countries such as the United Arab Emirates under Trump in 2020.

Netanyahu is set to meet Trump on Tuesday, the first foreign premier to do so since his taking office, in an effort to reset ties after often strained relations with the Biden administration amid the war in Gaza.

The two leaders are expected to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and strategies to counter Iran, according to a statement released by Netanyahu's office.