During a visit to the White House, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will work to “eliminate” its trade deficit with the United States, amidst global concerns over the tariffs recently imposed by US President Donald Trump.
“We will eliminate the trade deficit with the United States… We believe it’s the right thing to do,” Mr. Netanyahu shared with reporters in the Oval Office, expressing his view that Israel could serve “as a model for many countries”.
In a separate statement, President Trump indicated that the US and Iran are engaged in direct discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Mr. Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to personally request a delay on the US tariffs that have unsettled the global economy.
During their meeting, Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump also addressed the situation in Gaza, where a short-lived US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has unraveled, as well as the rising tensions with Iran.
Mr. Trump welcomed Mr. Netanyahu outside the West Wing with a fist pump, and the two leaders, both dressed in dark suits, red ties, and white shirts, proceeded inside for their meeting in the Oval Office.
During Mr. Netanyahu’s previous visit, both he and Mr. Trump addressed reporters in the Oval Office and held a press conference.
This trip marks the Israeli premier’s second visit to Mr. Trump since the US president returned to office, and it comes on short notice—only days after Mr. Trump announced a 17% tariff on Israel during his “Liberation Day” remarks last week.
Mr. Trump opted not to exempt Israel, a leading recipient of US military aid, from his tariff measures, citing a significant trade deficit with the country.
On his way to Washington yesterday, Mr. Netanyahu stated they would cover topics such as “the hostages, achieving victory in Gaza, and the tariff regime that has been imposed on Israel”.
“I am the first international leader to meet with President Trump on an issue so vital to Israel’s economy,” he declared in a video statement.
“There are numerous leaders who want to engage in this dialogue. I believe this reflects the special personal relationship and the unique bond between the United States and Israel, which is essential at this moment.”
Upon his arrival, Mr. Netanyahu met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, as confirmed by his office.
The Israeli premier also had discussions today with Mr. Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Attack on Paramedics
The situation regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, provoked by the Hamas attack in October 2023, and the fate of Israeli and US hostages still held in Gaza will be significant points of discussion.
Israel resumed heavy airstrikes on Gaza on March 18, following the collapse of the weeks-long ceasefire brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
So far, Mr. Trump has strongly supported Israel, accusing Hamas of not releasing the hostages.
The United States has also dismissed an incident in which 15 medics and rescuers were killed by Israeli forces last month in Gaza, leading to international outcry.
Israel’s army chief has since ordered a “deeper” investigation into the incident.
French President Emmanuel Macron revealed he organized a conference call with Mr. Trump, along with the leaders of Egypt and Jordan during his visit to Cairo, where they collectively called for an immediate resumption of the ceasefire.
The leaders insisted that the Palestinian Authority should solely oversee the post-war governance of Gaza, rejecting Mr. Trump’s proposal for the US to “own” the territory following the conflict.
On the topic of Iran, Mr. Trump has been advocating for “direct talks” with Tehran regarding a new agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program.
However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai characterized Tehran’s proposal for indirect negotiations as “generous, responsible, and wise”.
There is ongoing speculation that Israel, potentially with US assistance, may target Iranian facilities if an agreement is not reached.
Mr. Netanyahu arrived directly from Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban withdrew his country from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the court issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli leader related to the Gaza conflict.
Both leaders also spoke by phone with Mr. Trump on Thursday.
