Trump meets Netanyahu at White House as Israel seeks tariff relief, discusses Iran and Gaza hostages
Netanyahu meets Trump to strengthen U.S.-Israel ties, tackle Iran's threat, free Gaza hostages, and expand Middle East peace through the Abraham Accords.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss key issues in their bilateral relationship. One of the central topics was Israel’s request for tariff relief after the U.S. imposed a 17% tax on Israeli products. The tariffs are part of a broader American trade policy that has impacted several allies, and Netanyahu hopes to secure exemptions for Israeli goods.
Netanyahu and Trump address Gaza hostage crisis and Iran’s growing nuclear threat
The leaders also discussed the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza, where 79 hostages, including six dual U.S.-Israeli citizens, remain held by Hamas. Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of the negotiations for their release. Both sides expressed support for finding a peaceful resolution and highlighted the humanitarian need to bring the hostages home safely.
Another major focus was the threat posed by Iran. Netanyahu pushed for a strong, united front against Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence. He urged Trump to consider harsher sanctions and to keep military options on the table if diplomacy fails. The conversation reflected Israel's concerns over growing Iranian power and its impact on Middle Eastern stability.
Netanyahu’s historic White House visit highlights U.S.-Israel alliance and push to expand Abraham Accords
This visit marked the first by a foreign leader to the White House since Trump’s re-election, underlining the close ties between the two countries. Netanyahu called the meeting a testament to the strength of U.S.-Israel relations. The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to security cooperation and addressing mutual threats in the region.
Lastly, they discussed the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords, aiming to normalize relations between Israel and more Arab nations. Both leaders see this as a strategic way to boost regional peace and economic collaboration. They hope that continued U.S. support will encourage more countries to join the peace agreements, isolating hostile actors and promoting stability.