WASHINGTON D.C, USA – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday, April 7, 2025, for high-stakes talks with President Donald Trump, becoming the first foreign leader to meet the US president since controversial global tariffs sent financial markets into turmoil.
The discussions were expected to focus on trade exemptions, Gaza hostilities, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The visit, which followed Netanyahu’s diplomatic stop in Hungary, came as Israel faces a 17 per cent tariff on exports to the US under Trump’s newly announced “Liberation Day” trade measures.
Israeli officials confirmed the prime minister would appeal for relief during meetings with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer before his White House session.
“I’m the first international leader who will meet with President Trump on a matter so crucial to Israel’s economy,” Netanyahu said before departing Budapest.
“This reflects the special bond between our nations.”
Analysts suggest the timing underscores Israel’s urgent need to avert economic damage. “Stopping this before it becomes entrenched is critical,” said Jonathan Rynhold, head of political studies at Bar-Ilan University.
An exemption could simultaneously reward a key ally and placate pro-Israel Republican lawmakers reluctant to challenge Trump’s trade policies.
Despite Israel’s preemptive move to eliminate remaining duties on US goods—affecting just 1 per cent of bilateral trade—Trump included the nation in his sweeping tariffs, citing a “significant trade deficit” with a country that receives $3.8 billion annually in US military aid.
Hebrew University economist Yannay Spitzer noted the visit allows Netanyahu to demonstrate alignment with Trump: “A concession for Israel could become a model for other nations.”
Beyond trade, the leaders were set to address the collapsed Gaza ceasefire and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Israeli forces resumed intensive operations in Gaza on 18 March after truce negotiations mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar failed.
Palestinian health authorities report nearly 1,400 casualties in renewed fighting, while Israel says Hamas still holds 58 hostages—34 presumed dead.
On Iran, Trump’s push for direct nuclear talks faces resistance. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai called Tehran’s offer of indirect negotiations “generous and responsible,” warning that any attack would trigger “swift, global retaliation.”
The meeting occurs amid heightened regional tensions, with speculation persisting about potential Israeli or joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities absent a diplomatic breakthrough.
