Washington, D.C. — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, becoming the first foreign leader to personally appeal for relief from sweeping new American tariffs that have roiled global markets.
The visit, arranged on short notice, comes just days after Trump imposed a 17% tariff on Israeli goods as part of his “Liberation Day” trade overhaul—a move that surprised many given Israel’s status as a top U.S. ally and the largest recipient of American military aid.
Netanyahu’s arrival marks his second meeting with Trump since the U.S. president returned to office. The two leaders, dressed nearly identically in dark suits, red ties, and white shirts, were seen exchanging greetings outside the West Wing before heading into the Oval Office for closed-door talks.
Tariffs, Gaza, and Iran on the Table
While the central topic of discussion is expected to be trade, the leaders are also grappling with the fallout from the collapsed ceasefire in Gaza and growing tension with Iran. A previously planned joint press conference was abruptly canceled without explanation—a sharp departure from their usual post-meeting format.
Before departing for Washington, Netanyahu said the trip would focus on “the hostages, victory in Gaza, and of course the tariff regime that has now been imposed on Israel.”
“I’m the first international leader to meet with President Trump on such a critical issue for Israel’s economy,” he said in a video statement. “There is a long line of world leaders waiting. This reflects the special relationship between our nations.”
High-Level Talks and Diplomatic Maneuvering
On Sunday night, shortly after arriving in Washington, Netanyahu met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. On Monday, he also held talks with Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
Trump told reporters that the meeting would address “trade, and the obvious subject,” alluding to broader Middle East instability. “There’s a lot going on right now that has to be silenced,” he added.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said he had arranged a call with Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Jordan’s King Abdullah to push for the immediate restoration of the Gaza ceasefire. The leaders also emphasized that the Palestinian Authority must govern the post-war Gaza Strip—rejecting Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. assume control.
Iran Looms Large
Iran remains a key point of contention. Trump has renewed calls for “direct talks” with Tehran on a new nuclear deal, but Iranian officials have rejected the proposal, instead offering what they describe as a “generous and responsible” plan for indirect negotiations.
Amid rising tensions, there is growing international speculation that Israel—possibly with U.S. support—could launch strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities if diplomacy fails.
Controversy at the ICC
Netanyahu arrived in Washington following a visit to Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court. The move came in protest of the ICC’s recent arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza—a charge Israel has strongly denied.
The Israeli premier’s visit underscores the complex web of diplomacy, trade, and conflict now converging in Washington, as both leaders navigate domestic pressures and global challenges.
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