Netanyahu and Zelenskyy plan Trump meetings during Graham funeral visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected in Washington for funeral events honoring the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with each planning a Netanyahu Zelenskyy Trump meeting during visits shaped by the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. The meetings put security policy, sanctions and war diplomacy before President Donald Trump as fighting in Ukraine continues and the Iran conflict appears to be in a pause.

Netanyahu traveled to Washington on Monday at Trump’s invitation for Tuesday’s service, his office said. Zelenskyy also plans to attend the Washington funeral, MS NOW reported, citing a White House official.

Both leaders are expected to meet Trump during their time in the U.S. capital. For Zelenskyy, the trip follows discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials over new proposals aimed at ending the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. For Netanyahu, whose last Washington visit was in February, the talks come after recent fighting involving Iran.

What will Netanyahu and Zelenskyy discuss with Trump?

Netanyahu said in a post on X that he intends to discuss Israel’s security and strength with Trump. “Our goal is clear: to safeguard Israel’s security, strengthen its power, and expand the circle of peace around us,” he wrote, adding that he would also pay respects to Graham, whom he called a “true friend.”

The Iran war has entered what appears to be a temporary halt. Monday marked the third day without reported U.S. strikes in Iran, and the two countries appear to be maintaining a pause in fighting. In practical terms, such a pause means active strikes have stopped for now, but it does not by itself establish a settlement or a broader ceasefire unless the parties announce one.

The Ukraine and Iran conflicts intersected over the weekend when Ukraine’s military struck an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, killing a sailor. Kyiv said the vessel was carrying weapons intended to support Russia. Tehran called the strike a “hostile and criminal act,” and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that Israel was behind the Ukrainian attack.

Graham had recently returned from Ukraine, where he met Zelenskyy about U.S. sanctions on Russia. CNBC previously reported that Graham died on the evening of July 11 from an aortic dissection.

Zelenskyy said in a July 12 post on X that he was “deeply saddened” by Graham’s death. He wrote that Graham had visited Ukraine ten times during Russia’s full-scale invasion and praised him as a supporter of bipartisan and bicameral backing for Ukraine.

How will Lindsey Graham’s funeral services proceed?

Graham’s office said the Washington service will take place Tuesday at Washington National Cathedral, after Air Force servicemembers carry his remains into the Capitol for recognition of his public service. Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks at the cathedral service.

After the Washington events, Graham’s remains will be taken to South Carolina for a second service on Wednesday. His office said the day will include a funeral procession outside the statehouse in Columbia, where members of the public may pay respects, followed by an F-16 flyover from the 169th Fighter Wing of the McEntire Joint National Guard Base and a law enforcement presentation.

A funeral service will then be held at First Baptist Church of Columbia, followed by a private family burial in Pickens County, South Carolina. Graham’s office said the public can watch both ceremonies by livestream.

Sen. Darline Graham, a South Carolina Republican and the late senator’s sister, thanked Senate leaders, Trump, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and the venues hosting the services in a July 15 statement. She was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on July 14 to replace her brother and is running for a full six-year term with Trump’s endorsement.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.