Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. This meeting marks Netanyahu as the first foreign leader to speak with Trump since the president implemented new tariffs affecting various countries around the globe.
While the outcome of their discussion on tariffs remains uncertain, it could have significant implications for how other nations negotiate similar issues in the future. Netanyahu’s visit, arranged on short notice, aims to address tariff concerns, but will also cover pressing geopolitical topics like the ongoing conflict in Gaza, relations with Iran, Israel’s ties with Turkey, and the International Criminal Court’s previous actions against Israeli leadership.
Importantly, Trump recently signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court due to its investigations focusing on Israel. The leaders may also discuss Israel’s plans regarding parts of the occupied West Bank, which are crucial to Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
Experts believe that Trump might leverage the tariff situation to encourage Netanyahu to make some concessions. These concessions could be tied less to economic issues and more to the potential resolution of the Gaza conflict, possibly by advocating for a temporary ceasefire that would allow for the release of hostages.
Analysts anticipate that Trump is looking to establish a more significant diplomatic relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia during his upcoming trip to the region. Such a development could serve as a key strategic balance against Iranian influence.
In a proactive measure, Israel recently announced the removal of tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly agricultural products. This step, credited to Netanyahu’s office, was aimed at strengthening the relationship with the U.S., Israel’s largest trading partner.
However, despite these efforts, Israel has been subjected to tariffs at a rate of 17%, aligning with several other nations impacted by Trump’s recent trade policies. This situation underscores the complexities of international trade relationships and their intersecting political dynamics.
