Discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are anticipated to focus significantly on the recently imposed US tariffs on Israel, alongside the rising tensions with Iran.
Netanyahu marks a notable moment as the first foreign leader to hold a meeting with the US President at the White House since Trump announced considerable tariffs on multiple countries last Wednesday during his “Liberation Day” address.
Arriving in Washington directly following a visit to Hungary, Mr. Netanyahu’s primary goal will be to persuade Mr. Trump to reconsider his decision or, at the very least, to lower the 17% tariff slated to impact Israeli imports. He aims to address this pressing issue before it takes effect.
Before departing Budapest, Netanyahu remarked, “I believe this reflects the special personal relationship and the unique bond between the United States and Israel, which is so vital at this time.” He indicated that their conversations would encompass various topics, including “the tariff regime that has also been imposed on Israel.”
Political analysts assert that Mr. Netanyahu will be advocating for an exemption from these tariffs for Israel. As Jonathan Rynhold, head of political studies at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, noted, “The urgency (of the visit) makes sense in terms of stopping it before it gets institutionalized.” This exemption would not only support Mr. Trump’s closest Middle East ally but also “satisfy Republicans in Congress whose constituents care about Israel but are reluctant to challenge Mr. Trump at this point,” he explained.
In a proactive attempt to stave off the new levy, Israel had taken measures just prior to Mr. Trump’s announcement by lifting all remaining duties on the 1% of US goods still subject to tariffs. Nevertheless, Mr. Trump proceeded with his policy, citing the significant trade deficit with Israel, a prominent recipient of US military aid.
The Israeli leader’s visit serves another strategic purpose: it illustrates Israel’s willingness to align with Trump’s policies, as noted by Yannay Spitzer, a professor of economics at Hebrew University. He remarked, “I would not be surprised if there is an announcement of some concession for Israel… and this will serve as a precedent for other nations.”
Additionally, Mr. Netanyahu plans to address the ongoing war in Gaza, the situation regarding Israeli hostages held there, and the increasing “threat from Iran,” as per his office. The situation in Gaza escalated with Israel resuming airstrikes on March 18, concluding a nearly two-month ceasefire with Hamas that had been brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
Since the resumption of hostilities, restoring the ceasefire has proven unsuccessful, with reports indicating that over 1,330 individuals have lost their lives in the renewed Israeli air and ground operations, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled region. Notably, 58 hostages are still reported to be held by Palestinian militants, including 34 individuals whom the Israeli military believes may already be deceased.
On the topic of Iran, Mr. Trump has been advocating for “direct talks” with the Iranian government to forge a new agreement aimed at curbing the country’s nuclear program. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the notion of direct negotiations with the US as “meaningless.” Speculation continues about the potential for Israel, with support from the US, to target Iranian facilities should a mutual agreement remain elusive.
In a world where diplomacy and international relations are constantly in flux, the outcomes of this meeting could have significant ramifications not just for Israel and the United States but for the region as a whole.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
