Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to visit the White House on Monday to speak with US President Donald Trump about new American tariffs. Three Israeli officials said the two leaders plan to discuss the 17% tariff recently imposed on Israeli goods.
This would be Netanyahu’s fourth visit to Washington since the Gaza conflict began. It would also be his second trip since Trump took office in January. If confirmed, he would become the first foreign leader to meet Trump in person about the administration’s new trade policy.
Netanyahu’s office has not officially confirmed the trip. However, according to Israeli officials speaking anonymously, Trump invited him during a phone call on Thursday. At the time, Netanyahu was visiting Hungary and raised concerns about the new tariffs.
Axios first reported the planned visit. The site also mentioned that Netanyahu and Trump may talk about the Gaza war and Iran’s nuclear programme.
The timing of the visit could still change. Netanyahu would need permission from judges to delay his court testimony in an ongoing corruption trial. Israeli news outlets Channel 12 and Kan said a meeting is expected on Monday, but final details are not settled.
Tariffs and trade tensions take centre stage
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with Netanyahu on Friday. According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio reaffirmed US support for Israel. They discussed the Gaza situation, efforts to release hostages, and the new tariffs.
CNN reported that Trump is also negotiating with leaders from Israel, India and Vietnam. These talks aim to ease tariff pressures before the new levies take effect next week.
Neither Netanyahu’s office nor the White House has publicly commented on the visit. Still, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that Netanyahu “may very well be coming next week.”
Tariffs caught Israeli officials off guard
The 17% tariff surprised officials in Jerusalem. Earlier in the week, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich eliminated the remaining Israeli tariffs on American imports. His decision aimed to avoid economic strain and maintain good trade relations.
A senior Israeli official travelling with Netanyahu in Budapest said they expect dialogue with Washington. “Most of it is solvable,” the official noted.
Gaza conflict and hostage deal context
Netanyahu’s last trip to Washington occurred shortly after a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas. That deal, finalised on 19 January—just before Trump’s inauguration—marked the end of the first phase of talks.
The Gaza war began on 7 October 2023. Militants led by Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
The first phase of the agreement lasted 42 days. It ended on 2 March after Netanyahu refused to move to phase two. This stage would have required Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza and end the war. In return, Hamas would have released all remaining hostages, and Israel would have freed many Palestinian prisoners.
Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza on 18 March. Of the 59 hostages still in Gaza, Israel has confirmed that 35 have died. Netanyahu insists the war must continue until Hamas’s military and political capabilities are dismantled.
Hamas has rejected several US-backed proposals to extend the first phase of the ceasefire while releasing hostages in stages.
Iran nuclear talks and unexpected invitation
Axios reported that Trump wants to open direct talks with Iran to address its nuclear activities. However, Netanyahu doubts a new US-Iran deal is possible. He is expected to raise the possibility of a military strike on Iranian nuclear sites during his visit.
Trump’s public mention of Netanyahu’s upcoming trip surprised both the Israeli team and US staff. It followed a phone call between Trump, Netanyahu, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
During the call, Netanyahu discussed Hungary’s recent exit from the International Criminal Court. The move came after the ICC issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
When Netanyahu mentioned the tariffs, Trump invited him to Washington to continue the discussion in person.
