Trump Netanyahu meeting set as Japan quake traps people in mall
Trump and Netanyahu meet at the White House as NBC News reports a major Japan quake injured dozens and damaged buildings.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The Trump Netanyahu meeting at the White House is set for today with the Iran war hanging over both leaders, while a major earthquake in southern Japan has injured dozens and left people trapped in a mall, according to NBC News and Japanese officials.
NBC News reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s sit-down with President Donald Trump comes as support for the war has fallen in Israel and as backing in the U.S. for his government’s actions has dropped sharply. NBC News also reported that the relationship between the two leaders appears strained.
What is happening at the Trump Netanyahu meeting?
Netanyahu is due to meet Trump for their first in-person talks since Trump reportedly called him “f---ing crazy” during a tense phone call, according to NBC News. The meeting comes as lawmakers examine the administration’s handling of the Iran war.
The Defense Department has asked Congress to approve another $67 billion in supplemental funding, NBC News reported, with the money intended to increase weapons production and speed deliveries.
Trump is also expected to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House for talks on Ukraine’s war with Russia, according to NBC News.
What happened in the Japan earthquake?
A powerful quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu, Japan’s southern island, injuring at least 50 people and damaging buildings, according to NBC News and Japanese broadcaster NHK.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 and hit at a depth of 10 kilometers, a little over 6 miles. The agency said it reached the top level of Japan’s seismic intensity scale, which measures how strongly shaking is felt at specific locations.
Japan’s Cabinet Office’s Disaster Management Division said the quake hit at about 4:27 p.m. local time. A tsunami advisory was issued soon after for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas, then later lifted, NHK reported.
Local fire officials said multiple people remained trapped inside the AEON Mall hours after the quake. Officials also said an explosion was heard on the mall’s second floor, according to NHK, which showed footage of nearly a dozen fire trucks in the parking lot.
Images carried by NHK showed damaged ceilings and facade sections at the mall, along with debris on a nearby road. The broadcaster also reported at least 12 collapsed houses.
NHK aired aerial footage showing a derailed cargo train, fallen towers at an industrial site and a small building on fire.
Washington prepares to mourn Lindsey Graham
Funeral services for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham begin today in Washington, D.C., NBC News reported, with Trump, Netanyahu, Zelenskyy and other officials and world leaders expected to pay respects.
Graham’s casket is set to be carried by an armed forces body bearer team, then replaced by a U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard in recognition of his military service. After a private ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, the casket is scheduled to go to Washington National Cathedral for an invitation-only funeral at 2 p.m. ET.
Services are expected to continue tomorrow in South Carolina, according to NBC News.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.