Israeli PM Seeks Tariffs Truce, Gaza, Iran Support from Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington on Monday to meet with US President Donald Trump, seeking a reprieve from US tariffs while also pushing for further backing on issues related to Gaza and Iran.
Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to meet with Trump in the US capital since the “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement sent global markets crashing.
His primary goal was to persuade Trump to reverse or reduce the 17 percent levy that is set to be imposed on Israeli imports.
Upon his arrival in Washington, Netanyahu met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to his office.
Netanyahu had earlier stated before his departure from Hungary, “I’m the first international leader, the first foreign leader who will meet with President Trump on a matter so crucial to Israel’s economy,” adding, “I believe this reflects the special personal relationship and the unique bond between the United States and Israel, which is so vital at this time.”
Analysts suggested that Netanyahu would seek an exemption from the tariffs, noting the urgency of the visit to prevent the decision from becoming institutionalised. Jonathan Rynhold, head of political studies at Bar-Ilan University, stated, “The urgency (of the visit) makes sense in terms of stopping it before it gets institutionalised.”
Despite efforts to avoid the new levy by lifting all remaining duties on the one percent of American goods still affected, Trump did not exempt Israel, citing the significant trade deficit between the two countries.
Netanyahu’s visit was also seen as an attempt to show Trump that Israel is in alignment with him, with Professor Yannay Spitzer of Hebrew University stating, “I would not be surprised if there is an announcement of some concession for Israel… and this will be an example for other countries.”
The visit also involved discussions about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where a short-lived truce brokered by the United States had collapsed.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the war sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, and the “growing threat from Iran” were also on the agenda.
On March 18, Israel resumed intense strikes on Gaza, following the failure of efforts to restore the truce.
The Hamas-controlled health ministry reported nearly 1,400 people killed in renewed Israeli air and ground operations.
Palestinian militants in Gaza continue to hold 58 hostages, including 34 who the Israeli military has confirmed are dead.
On Iran, President Trump has been pushing for “direct talks” with Tehran to curb its nuclear programme.
However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai countered, saying Tehran’s proposal for indirect negotiations was “generous, responsible and wise.”
Baghai also warned that if the threats against Iran were realised, “they would precipitate a swift, immediate and global response from Iran’s side.”
There has been growing speculation that Israel, possibly with US support, might attack Iranian facilities if a new deal is not reached.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
