Netanyahu Expected to Visit White House to Address New U.S. Tariffs

TDT | Manama

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit the White House on Monday for high-level talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to three Israeli officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The visit, which has not yet been officially confirmed by Netanyahu’s office, was first reported by Axios and is being described as impromptu. If it proceeds as planned, Netanyahu would be the first foreign leader to meet with President Trump in person since the announcement of a sweeping new U.S. tariff policy.

The agenda is expected to focus heavily on the recently imposed 17 percent tariff on unspecified Israeli exports to the United States, a move that has raised concerns in Jerusalem given the strong economic ties between the two allies. The U.S. is Israel’s largest single trading partner, and the new duties could significantly impact Israeli exports, particularly in sectors like machinery and medical equipment, according to an Israeli finance ministry official.

In a phone call on Thursday, President Trump reportedly extended the invitation to Netanyahu, who is currently visiting Hungary. During the call, Netanyahu raised the issue of the tariffs, prompting Trump to suggest a face-to-face meeting.

In addition to trade, discussions are also likely to cover broader geopolitical concerns, including Iran and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Earlier this week, Israel announced the removal of its remaining tariffs on U.S. imports, reinforcing its commitment to the long-standing free trade agreement signed between the two nations 40 years ago. Currently, around 98 percent of U.S. goods enter Israel tariff-free.

While Netanyahu’s office has not released a statement confirming the visit, preparations are reportedly underway for the high-stakes meeting that could have significant implications for Israel-U.S. trade relations and regional diplomacy.