Staff Reports
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington for high-stakes talks with President Donald Trump, marking their second meeting since Trump returned to the presidency. The discussions come at a critical juncture, as Israel grapples with the economic fallout of Trump’s sweeping global tariff policy, which includes a 17% levy on Israeli goods. Netanyahu is expected to push for a reduction or elimination of these tariffs, which threaten to cost Israel’s economy $2.3 billion annually and jeopardize up to 26,000 jobs. For Netanyahu, securing a favorable trade deal is not just about economics—it’s about maintaining Israel’s competitive edge and strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States.
The tariff issue is just one item on a packed agenda that also includes the Gaza hostage crisis. Israel is working to secure the release of 59 hostages held by Hamas, including five Americans, while continuing its military offensive in Gaza. Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not relent until Hamas releases all captives. Trump’s support for Israel’s hardline approach has been unwavering, with his administration backing intensified pressure on mediators like Qatar and Egypt to negotiate the hostages’ return. This alignment underscores the deepening ties between the two leaders, who share a mutual commitment to combating terrorism and protecting their nations’ interests.
Iran’s nuclear ambitions are another major topic of discussion. Trump has given Tehran a two-month deadline to agree to a new nuclear deal or face military action. While Iran has signaled willingness to engage in indirect talks, both Netanyahu and Trump remain skeptical of Tehran’s intentions. The Israeli leader has consistently warned that Iran’s nuclear program poses an existential threat to Israel, and Trump’s deployment of additional missile defense systems to Israel signals his readiness to confront Iran if diplomacy fails. The stakes are high, as any misstep could escalate tensions in an already volatile region.
Relations with Turkey will also be addressed during the meeting. Israel is increasingly concerned about Turkey’s growing influence in Syria, where Ankara has been positioning itself as a dominant force following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian airbases targeted sites Turkey was reportedly assessing for military use, signaling Israel’s determination to prevent Turkish encroachment near its borders. Netanyahu will seek Trump’s support in defining “zones of influence” in Syria to ensure Israeli security interests are protected while avoiding direct conflict with Turkey.
Finally, Netanyahu and Trump will discuss efforts to counter the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Both leaders view the ICC as an overreach of international law and are united in their opposition to its actions. For Netanyahu, this meeting is an opportunity not only to address pressing geopolitical challenges but also to reaffirm his close relationship with Trump—a partnership that continues to shape U.S.-Israel relations and influence the broader Middle East landscape.
