Trump to Host Netanyahu at White House Monday/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, a White House official confirmed. The meeting follows Trump’s imposition of a 17% tariff on Israeli goods and comes amid escalating violence in Gaza. Tariffs, Gaza, and Iran are all expected to be on the agenda.
Trump to Host Netanyahu at White House Monday – Quick Looks
- Meeting confirmed by U.S. and Israeli officials for Monday
- Follows Trump’s 17% tariff on Israeli exports to U.S.
- First foreign leader to meet Trump post-tariff announcement
- Gaza conflict and Iran also expected to be key topics
- Leaders spoke by phone Thursday; invite extended then
- Netanyahu currently in Hungary, will travel to Washington
- Israel’s exports of machinery, medical devices may be hit
- Israel canceled tariffs on U.S. imports earlier this week
Trump to Host Netanyahu at White House Monday
Deep Look
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, amid rapidly rising geopolitical tensions and the unfolding economic consequences of Trump’s sweeping new tariff policy.
The meeting, first reported by Axios and later confirmed to CNN by a White House official, follows Trump’s announcement of a 17% tariff on Israeli goods. The two leaders are expected to discuss U.S.-Israel trade relations, military cooperation, and the war in Gaza.
Surprise Invitation Amid Trade Dispute
The invitation came during a Thursday phone call between the two leaders, in which Netanyahu raised concerns about the tariffs. Netanyahu, currently visiting Hungary, reportedly accepted the invite on the spot.
“That’s another thing we’d like to get solved,” Trump said to reporters about the Gaza crisis, adding that the region had been “under siege for many, many years.”
According to Israeli officials, the new tariffs could impact key Israeli exports, including machinery and medical equipment. An Israeli Finance Ministry source warned Thursday that the added duties would place a strain on bilateral trade.
Trade Pact History and New Tensions
The U.S. and Israel have shared a free trade agreement for 40 years, and nearly 98% of Israeli imports from the U.S. are tariff-free. In response to Trump’s latest moves, Israel canceled all remaining tariffs on American imports earlier this week — a move meant to reinforce economic ties despite growing friction.
But Trump’s broader tariff policy — which applies to many global allies — is now testing that historically strong U.S.-Israel economic partnership.
First Face-to-Face Meeting Post-Tariff Rollout
Netanyahu’s visit marks the first in-person visit by a foreign leader to the White House since Trump began rolling out tariffs last week on nearly all major trading partners. With negotiations already underway for a bespoke U.S.-Israel trade deal, the outcome of Monday’s meeting could set the tone for other bilateral agreements.
Trump hopes to use the tariffs as leverage in negotiating more favorable trade terms with Israel, a strategy he is also applying to allies in Europe and Asia.
Gaza, Iran Also on the Agenda
In addition to economic issues, the crisis in Gaza and Iran’s influence in the region are expected to be major discussion points. The visit comes just weeks after a two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed, prompting a resumption of Israeli ground operations in northern Gaza.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One following his Thursday call with Netanyahu, referred to Gaza as “a big problem” he hopes to resolve during his second term.
“Gaza is a very important thing,” Trump said. “It’s been under siege for many, many years.”
The two leaders are also expected to coordinate strategies related to Iran’s regional activities, which both governments view as a destabilizing force. Netanyahu has long pushed for greater U.S. pressure on Tehran, particularly amid concerns over nuclear development and support for militant proxies.
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