• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed he speaks with former U.S. President Donald Trump roughly every two days, according to a statement from his office.
  • The two leaders are coordinating closely on shared objectives, particularly regarding Iran and Gaza, with Netanyahu emphasizing their identical goals.
  • The high-frequency communication underscores a tight alignment that could shape U.S. policy in the region if Trump returns to office.

Deepening Alliance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that he and former U.S. President Donald Trump speak “every two days” as they work toward what he described as “identical goals” on key Middle East issues.

“We talk about every two days,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “We are trying to achieve identical goals.” The remarks, first reported by Israeli media, signal an unusually intensive level of coordination between the sitting Israeli leader and the Republican presidential candidate.

Shared Priorities

The conversations, according to people familiar with the matter, center on countering Iranian influence, deterring regional adversaries, and managing security challenges in Gaza. Both leaders have a history of close ties, with Trump’s administration having brokered the Abraham Accords and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

“The frequency of contact is remarkable,” said a former U.S. official who worked on Middle East policy. “It suggests they are trying to synchronize their messaging and policy moves, especially with the U.S. election approaching.”

Implications for Policy

If Trump returns to the White House, the ongoing dialogue could translate into rapid policy shifts, including potential changes in Iran sanctions, military posture, and Gaza ceasefire frameworks. A Trump spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the calls, but noted that “President Trump has always been a staunch ally of Israel.”

Netanyahu’s office did not provide additional details on the content of the discussions, but reiterated the prime minister’s commitment to securing Israel’s interests through close coordination with Washington.

Correction (September 25, 2024): A previous version of this article misstated the frequency of calls as daily. The correct frequency is approximately every two days.