US strikes on pause as Iran warns Ukraine for taking out Russian military cargo ship

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just departed for Washington, D.C., on Monday to meet with President Donald Trump and attend the funeral service for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

“I am on my way to Washington for a meeting with our friend, President Donald Trump,” Netanyahu said in a video message translated from Hebrew. “This is my eighth meeting with him since he was elected president for his second term — more than any other international leader.

“This is a great privilege, but it is also a great responsibility.

“From my experience as prime minister, in these complex times, one must act with both great determination and great wisdom. We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, with Iran at the forefront.

“Of course, our goal is to maintain our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us. I am embarking on this mission with one clear goal — to ensure the security, strength, and future of our beloved State of Israel.”

The visit comes after Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday that the Iran war should end only when Tehran abandons its nuclear program or its government falls or is severely weakened.

He warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would draw a “very, very forceful” response.

Netanyahu said the decision on whether to resume major U.S. strikes was largely Trump’s and that the meeting would allow him to hear the president’s plans for the conflict.

Netanyahu’s visit was planned before Graham’s death earlier this month, but he is now coming for both purposes.

“And I am also setting out for an additional purpose: to pay my last respects to our friend, a true friend of mine and of the State of Israel — Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest friends of the State of Israel of all time,” Netanyahu’s video statement concluded.

“And I am certain that in this matter, I am representing you as well, citizens of Israel.”

Fox News’ Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report.