Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington DC on Sunday night for urgent talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, focused on the ongoing Gaza war and the economic repercussions of new U.S. tariffs on Israeli goods. The meetings, set to continue through Tuesday, will address the fate of 59 hostages still held by Hamas, as well as a 17% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Israeli exports.
Netanyahu’s visit, arranged after a conversation between him, Trump, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, began with a meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The prime minister’s flight path from Budapest to Washington was reportedly altered to avoid countries potentially enforcing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
While in Washington, Netanyahu will meet with Trump at the White House to discuss the renewed Gaza conflict and hostages, with the U.S. also pressing for an increase in pressure on mediating countries like Qatar and Egypt. Netanyahu is seeking a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, as opposed to a permanent end to the fighting, which Hamas demands.
Additionally, Netanyahu is expected to raise concerns about the new 17% tariff on Israeli goods, which could result in up to $2.3 billion in losses for Israel’s economy, and between 18,000 and 26,000 job losses. If additional industries like pharmaceuticals and chips are hit, the damage could escalate to $3 billion.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-lands-in-washington-for-hastily-arranged-talks-on-trumps-tariffs-gaza-war/