Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a charm offensive on Tuesday, working top Trump Cabinet members in a place of worship as anxiety grows that Israel could move to widen the war with Iran.

Netanyahu turned the somber funeral for the late Senator Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral into a backdrop for diplomatic networking.

He rubbed shoulders with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and was also seen speaking closely with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his wife. 

He was also spotted among senior Trump aides and administration heavyweights including Stephen Miller, Steve Witkoff, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, and Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin.

Body language reader Judi James says Netanyahu's networking approach of ‘mingling in the heart of the cabinet in a very active way’ was in stark contrast to Volodymyr Zelensky's behavior.

‘As Bibi worked the group Zelensky was seen sitting in his pew a few rows back, looking around in silence,’ James explained. '[Netanyahu] showed non-verbal signs of affection, friendship and, at times, intensity when it came to the 'small talk.'

James also added that there was a 'folded armed' Hegseth for a 'deep discussion' while there was obvious laughing and 'mutual patting' showing a very friendly relationship between the pair.

However, despite the public display of unity, private panic is mounting among GOP lawmakers.

Behind the scenes, conservatives are increasingly vocal in their concern that Netanyahu's uncompromising posture could embroil the US in a prolonged, wider military campaign across the Middle East.

With the US midterm elections in November, Republicans are aware of growing public hesitation over deep involvement in foreign entanglements as well as economic weariness over continual high prices.

As Trump prepared to board Air Force One for a trip to Michigan on Monday, he sought to project confidence while acknowledging the subtle rift over what comes next.

He told reporters that Bibi has been great and was a wartime prime minister, adding that they did very well together.

While admitting the two leaders have 'a little difference' over the next phase of the campaign against Iran, Trump stressed that their core positions remain 'pretty close.'

Today marks the eighth face-to-face meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since the president re-entered the White House, and their first in-person encounter since a secretive, behind-closed-doors session on February 11.

During that pivotal February meeting, Netanyahu presented Trump and senior national security officials with detailed military strike options and pushed the case for Iranian regime change.

Just weeks later, on February 28, Trump launched Operation Epic Fury, a massive joint US-Israeli air campaign that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei alongside key members of his inner circle.

Now, months after Operation Epic Fury, the alliance stands at a delicate crossroads.

While both leaders remain strictly aligned on denying Tehran nuclear weapons, they appear divided on the scope, timing and ultimate strategic goals of future military actions.

Israel is set to hold general elections at the end of October with Netanyahu trailing in several domestic opinion polls, leaving both leaders under immense pressure to show voters they can bring the conflict to a decisive end.

Before departing Israel for the US capital, Netanyahu framed the trip as a mission vital for national survival.

He added that they would discuss all issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran, with the clear objective of ensuring the security, strength and future of the State of Israel, while also paying final respects to Lindsey Graham, one of the 'greatest friends Israel has ever known.'

Netanyahu will also meet with Congressional leaders before departing Wednesday.