Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sets out for Washington today for his first meeting with US President Donald Trump since he took office three weeks ago. The Times of Israel reported that since Trump’s inauguration last month, Israel has approved thousands of new housing units over the Green Line, announced plans for the creation of the first new settlement in two decades, and passed the controversial outpost legalisation bill into law. The White House has refrained from condemning these moves; having signaled a more accommodating approach toward settlement activity, but warned earlier this month they may not be “helpful.” Israeli media reported that on the agenda for their meeting on Wednesday, Netanyahu and Trump are set to discuss Iran, Syria and the Palestinians, as well as issues related to security and intelligence coordination. During his three-day visit, Netanyahu will also meet with Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other top officials.
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