Netanyahu to meet Trump amid Gaza war, tariffs, and shifting US-Israel ties

Netanyahu had tried to stave off the tariffs by eliminating Israeli customs duties on American goods, but the effort failed to sway Trump’s policy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House this week, as Israel resumes its military campaign in Gaza and faces new US tariffs on its exports. The meeting, set for Monday, follows Trump’s invitation and marks Netanyahu’s second White House visit since Trump’s return to office in January, the New York Times reported.

Tariffs and diplomacy on the agenda

Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the two leaders will discuss several pressing issues, including Trump’s 17% tariff on Israeli goods, efforts to free hostages held by Hamas, Israel-Turkey relations, and the Iranian threat. Netanyahu had tried to stave off the tariffs by eliminating Israeli customs duties on American goods, but the effort failed to sway Trump’s policy.

Shifting tone in Washington

The visit highlights Netanyahu’s improved standing in Washington under Trump compared to his strained relationship with former President Biden, who did not meet Netanyahu in the Oval Office until 2024. Trump has maintained close ties with Netanyahu and has framed his Middle East policy around strong support for Israel, including removing sanctions on violent West Bank settlers and releasing previously withheld weapons.

Gaza war intensifies

The meeting comes as Israel steps up its military offensive in Gaza, which resumed in late March after a US-brokered truce collapsed. More than 50,000 Gazans have been killed in the conflict, including over 1,000 since the cease-fire ended, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel has also blocked aid deliveries for a month, worsening the humanitarian situation.

Trump’s controversial proposals

Trump has floated controversial ideas for Gaza, including a US takeover of the enclave and mass Palestinian emigration—proposals widely condemned by Arab nations and experts for potentially violating international law. Netanyahu has echoed similar sentiments, calling for the “voluntary emigration” of Gazans, a position critics equate to forced displacement.

Uncertain future for diplomacy

While Trump previously expressed interest in brokering a diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and Saudi Arabia, his administration has distanced itself from advocating for a Palestinian state, despite pressure from regional partners. The collapse of the truce has complicated efforts to reach a broader peace deal, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the cease-fire’s failure.

Netanyahu is traveling to Washington from Hungary, where he met Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally. His upcoming meeting with Trump will likely reinforce the alignment between the two leaders on military strategy, trade, and a hardline stance against Hamas.