Netanyahu, Obama poised for first talks since Iran deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Barack Obama in Washington Monday in a bid to set aside their frosty personal ties, turn the page on the Iran nuclear deal and talk defense.

The White House meeting, scheduled for 10:30 am (1530 GMT), will be closely watched in particular because it marks the first encounter by the two leaders since October 2014.

Since then, Washington and other world powers reached a landmark nuclear accord with Tehran in a move Israel strictly opposed.

In the wake of that July agreement, the relationship between Netanyahu and Obama has only deteriorated further.

Matters between the two have been tense for some time. And in March, Netanyahu traveled to the US capital to court Republicans, Obama's political opponents, and addressed Congress -- much to the displeasure of the White House.

Monday's talks, which look to be more functional than warm in nature, are meant to enable a reaffirmation of the unwavering nature of the security alliance between Washington and the Jewish state.

The White House has sought to downplay personal feelings, with spokesman Josh Earnest saying they were "not nearly as important as their ability to work together to advance the national security interests of the two countries that they lead."

But the Israeli daily Maariv has likened the planned meeting to that of a "separated, bitter couple who, after many fights, is only there to make final financial arrangements before the divorce."

Jacob Dayan, who has served as an Israeli diplomat in the United States as well as a peace negotiator, said he expected them to find common ground since Obama wants to be seen as protecting Israel's security and Netanyahu will be seeking concrete commitments.

"Netanyahu will have to show some goodwill," Dayan said. "He cannot come empty-handed and then make demands."

Caption: US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Photo: english.ahram.org.eg