By Adeyemi Adekunle
As speculation swirls regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attendance at President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration on January 20, 2025, Lens Africa TV’s fact-checking team separates fact from fiction.
Netanyahu is unlikely to attend Donald Trump's inauguration, as he hasn't received an official invitation. pic.twitter.com/PGyc22vRLn
— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) January 11, 2025
Reports indicate that Netanyahu has not been formally invited to the event. A senior aide to the prime minister told the Times of Israel that Netanyahu would not be attending, a statement corroborated by the absence of any official communication inviting him to the ceremony. Traditionally, foreign leaders do not attend U.S. presidential inaugurations, as these events are domestic in nature.
Additionally, speculation around Netanyahu’s potential attendance has been fueled by claims from Israeli officials and media, despite his recent prostate surgery in December. The Israeli prime minister’s recovery from surgery, alongside the absence of precedent for such invitations, further diminishes the likelihood of his participation.
Netanyahu’s relationship with Trump has added complexity to these discussions. During Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021, their alliance strengthened significantly, marked by Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the relocation of the U.S. embassy. However, tensions allegedly emerged after Netanyahu congratulated President Joe Biden following the 2020 U.S. election.
Recent remarks by Trump against Netanyahu, including sharing a video on Truth Social criticizing the Israeli leader, have compounded the controversy. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) outstanding arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza adds to the uncertainty. While the U.S. has declared it will not execute the warrant, Netanyahu risks arrest if traveling internationally.
There is no verifiable evidence to support the claim that Netanyahu will attend Trump’s inauguration. The lack of an official invitation and logistical barriers render the assertion Unsubstantiated. This remains consistent with diplomatic protocol and past U.S. inaugurations.
