Initially expected to grace the occasion, Netanyahu’s absence has sparked speculation over the reasons behind the decision, which range from personal health concerns to legal and diplomatic challenges.

A senior aide to the prime minister confirmed the cancellation, noting that Netanyahu had not received a formal invitation to the ceremony.

While Trump reportedly extended informal invitations to several global leaders, including allies and adversaries, it remains unclear whether Netanyahu was ever invited.

Health concerns were cited as a significant factor where Netanyahu underwent prostate surgery late last month and has been advised to rest, making the trip inadvisable.

However, the decision is also seen in the context of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November, citing alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Although the United States has refused to recognize or enforce the ICC warrant, Netanyahu’s travel risks are heightened by the possibility of an emergency landing in a country that complies with the court’s directives.

This would have been Netanyahu’s first trip abroad since the ICC issued arrest warrants against him and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The charges stem from the conflict in Gaza, which escalated following the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel, leaving 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military response has led to significant destruction and casualties in Gaza, with over 46,700 Palestinians reported dead.

Trump, who has often broken with diplomatic norms, invited several foreign leaders to his inauguration.
These invitations included controversial figures such as Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, who is under investigation for his role in a 2023 attempted coup. Bolsonaro has confirmed his invitation but is working to secure his passport in time for the event.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed interest in attending but has not yet confirmed, citing scheduling conflicts. Chinese President Xi Jinping declined the invitation but will send senior officials as his representatives.

Argentine President Javier Milei, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are among the other invitees. Orbán, a close ally of Netanyahu, has publicly assured the Israeli leader that Hungary would not act on the ICC warrant.

Netanyahu’s relationship with Trump has oscillated between camaraderie and tension. The two leaders collaborated closely during Trump’s first presidency, but the bond soured in 2020 when Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory, a move Trump viewed as disloyal.

The relationship appeared to recover in recent months, with Netanyahu visiting Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and congratulating him on his election win.

However, Trump’s decision to share a controversial video this week, in which an American professor called Netanyahu a “dark son of a bitch” and accused him of pushing the US toward war with Iran, has reignited questions about the strength of their alliance.

Netanyahu’s decision to cancel his trip underscores the complex challenges he faces, balancing domestic issues, international legal threats, and delicate diplomatic relationships.

For Trump, the absence of a key ally at the ceremony highlights the unpredictable nature of global politics as he prepares to take office as the 47th US president.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially canceled plans to attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.