Trump, Netanyahu eye White House meeting next week

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are discussing a possible Oval Office meeting next week as the administration weighs its next move in the conflict with Iran, but a meeting has not been finalized, according to reports Wednesday.

The potential meeting comes as Trump considers whether to pursue a new ceasefire proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz or to resume major combat operations against Iran in coordination with Israel, similar to the joint launch of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, reports Axios. 

Netanyahu has visited the Oval Office six times since Trump returned to office about 18 months ago, more than any other foreign leader, according to the report.

Axios reported that Netanyahu requested a meeting with Trump last week but did not secure one. The Israeli leader later said he postponed his planned trip to Washington after the wake for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was delayed.

Netanyahu is now expected to travel to Washington to attend Graham's funeral ceremonies on Capitol Hill and at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, raising the possibility that the visit could coincide with a White House meeting.

The White House has not announced any plans for a meeting, and both the Israeli prime minister's office and the Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to comment, Axios reported.

According to the report, U.S. and Israeli officials see two primary paths forward in the Iran conflict: accepting a ceasefire proposal presented by Qatari mediators or launching a broader joint military campaign designed to force Tehran's capitulation.

Israeli officials told Axios they are preparing for the possibility of an expanded conflict within days but said Israel would participate only if Iran attacks or the United States requests its involvement.