Trump embraces Netanyahu, cooling speculation of rift between two

Former US President Donald Trump gave Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a warm welcome at his Mar-a-lago resort in Florida on Friday, setting the mood for a highly anticipated meeting between the Israeli leader and Republican presidential nominee.

“Come on, let's get a good, beautiful picture,” Trump said, pulling Netanyahu into his chest for a tight handshake and greeting the Israeli premier’s wife with a kiss on both cheeks.

The meeting is the first between Netanyahu and former US president in four years. It comes as US-Israeli ties are under more pressure than at any time in recent history, as Israel's war in Gaza coincides with a tight 2024 presidential election race between Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Trump and Netanyahu enjoyed a close relationship during the former's term in office, but the ties hit a rough spot after Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden for his 2020 election win, refusing to side with Trump’s debunked claims that the election was stolen from him.

“F**k him,” Trump told Axios at the time.

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