Netanyahu presented maps to Trump to highlight the difference between Turkish and Israeli presence in Syria
A senior Israeli political official revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented maps to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, attempting to persuade him of Israel’s position regarding Syria.
The official, speaking to the Jerusalem Post, stated that the maps showed Turkey controls approximately 5% of Syrian territory, while Israel controls only about 0.1%.
According to the official, Netanyahu clarified that Israel’s presence in Syria aims to counter threats emanating from Iran, Hezbollah, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other groups, rather than to seize territory.
Although the Syrian file was discussed, the official noted that most of the meeting focused on how to deal with Iran following the strike on its nuclear facilities.
He announced that Iran continues to enrich uranium using centrifuges at the Jopaqak facility (Mount Axe), emphasizing that Israel does not believe the nuclear program has been completely destroyed.
He stressed that centrifuges remain operational at the Mount Axe facility and that Israel will not hesitate to carry out new attacks if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear program or develop its ballistic missile system.
“This was not a ceremonial meeting, but genuine consultations in which every option was discussed individually,” he said.
He added that the Iranian regime faces increasing economic pressures, including shortages of gas and fuel, long queues at gas stations, high inflation, and local protests, considering that Tehran’s greatest fear is an economic collapse that could lead to widespread popular protests.
He affirmed that Israel would respond directly if Iran launched an attack against it, noting that it is currently doing so against neighboring countries, including Jordan.
The official pointed out that Netanyahu requested a private meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance, describing him as “good, straightforward, and genuine,” but declined to disclose further details.
He revealed that Netanyahu presented Trump with a new strategic vision aimed at gradually ending reliance on the U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program over approximately ten years, replacing it with a full partnership in weapons development, scientific research, technology, and defense industries. This would transform Israel from a recipient of aid into a full partner of the United States in developing military capabilities.
The talks also addressed relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Netanyahu told Trump that Erdoğan seeks to expand Turkey’s regional influence and pursues policies hostile to Israel.
Regarding Netanyahu’s trial, the official stated that the Prime Minister does not raise the issue with Trump, and that the U.S. President brings it up on his own initiative.
He added that the decline in support for Israel within the United States is due to the war in the Gaza Strip and social media campaigns, claiming that some of these campaigns are backed by China and Russia with the aim of weakening Israel and the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States.
The official concluded that despite criticism, Israel continues to strengthen its relations with several countries, including Arab nations that view it as a key partner in security and technology.
