Scandal-plagued Netanyahu meets Trump at White House

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US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.

The two leaders, both under career-threatening legal investigation, tried to cast their domestic problems aside, putting on a show of bonhomie and mutual appreciation in sunny Washington.

Sat in the Oval Office, Netanyahu painted Trump as the heir to a pantheon of historical figures, as he hailed Trump's "bold" decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem.

Netanyahu likened the US leader to the ancient Persian king Cyrus the Great, who freed the Jews from captivity in Babylon; to Lord Balfour who a century ago affirmed the rights of the Jewish people in Palestine; and President Harry Truman who recognized the Jewish state.

"I want to thank you for your extraordinary friendship," said the Israeli prime minister.

President Donald Trump (2nd, R) and first lady Melania Trump (1st, R), welcoming Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2nd, L) and his wife Sara Netanyahu in the Rose Garden of the White House. /AFP Photo

Trump may attend Jerusalem embassy opening

The 71-year-old president responded with some lyrical waxing of his own, saying he would consider a trip to open the controversial embassy this May, when Israel celebrates 70 years since its declaration of independence.

"We're looking at coming. If I can, I will," Trump said. "I may. We will be talking about that and other things."

"Israel is very special to me. Special country, special people, and I look forward to being there, and I'm very proud of that decision," he added.

A meeting of longtime friends is how Trump described hosting his guest Netanyahu.

The Israeli prime minister is wildly popular among Trump supporters who see him as a crucial defense hawk operating in a tough region.

And Trump is equally adored by Netanyahu loyalists, for, among other things, his controversial decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and his plan to move the US embassy there later this year.

"Many presidents were discussing whether or not to make that decision, and they promised it in campaigns, but were never able to do what they should have done. So, I was able to do it," said Trump.

Problems await Netanyahu at home

Washington is a familiar stomping ground for Netanyahu, who just days ago in Israel was being questioned by police over corruption charges. Netanyahu denies all wrong-doing.

On Monday, Israeli prosecutors announced that a former Netanyahu spokesman had turned into a state witness, agreeing to hand over audio recordings of Netanyahu and his wife as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

In Washington, the four-time prime minister said he was unfazed and focused on his visit.

"Mr. President, I have been here for nearly four decades seeking to build the America-Israel alliance. And under your leadership, it has never been stronger, and the people of Israel see your position on Jerusalem, they see your position in Iran, they see your magnificent defense of Israel, and the truth in the United Nations," Netanyahu said.

The international community has largely condemned Trump's moves, warning they could potentially jeopardize the peace process. The president was confident they'll do the exact opposite.

"The biggest difficultly that anybody has had, and you look over 25 years, nobody could get past, number one, Jerusalem, they couldn't get past it, we have taken it off the table," claimed the US president.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu will speak before the powerful pro-Israeli lobby, AIPAC. The crowd at its annual gathering will most certainly embrace him. The same can't be said about nearly half of all Israelis.

If Netanyahu wants to keep his job, his biggest challenge right now may be to be as popular there as he is in Washington.

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