Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and her son Yair met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during a dinner at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday night.
Margo Martin, Trump’s deputy communications director, shared a photo of Netanyahu and Trump on social media, though it later emerged that her son Yair also attended the event.
In an Instagram post, Netanyahu described the meeting, focusing on the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
"I also brought to the President’s attention the immense suffering Israel endured on October 7th and the inhumanity of Hamas terrorists holding our citizens hostage under harsh conditions. I emphasized the urgent need to act for their release and swift return," she wrote.
"We also discussed the strategic importance of Israel’s victory in the fight against the axis of evil, for a more stable and secure future in the Middle East and around the world"
Netanyahu is currently in Miami for a 20-day visit to spend time with Yair, who has lived abroad for much of the past two years.
Trump says Sara Netanyahu is his secret weapon
(Video: WPTV)
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Trump and the Netanyahu family have maintained a close relationship, with Trump often expressing admiration for Sara. During a dinner this past summer, Trump praised his ties with the Israeli leader.
"We've always had a great relationship, it was never bad," he told journalists after inquiring whether the two were on good terms after Trump voiced harsh criticism of Netanyahu for congratulating President Joe Biden for his election victory over Trump, which the Republican disputed. He then turned to Sara, calling her his "secret weapon," adding, “As long as I have her support, that’s what matters.”
Weeks before the U.S. election, Trump referred to his meetings with the Netanyahus, including a visit to Mar-a-Lago. "He came to my home in Florida with his lovely wife," Trump said. He added that Prime Minister Netanyahu is "very strong" and "does not listen to Biden."