Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, as confirmed by reports from unnamed officials in both countries.
This meeting comes at a time of heightened focus on several critical issues including tariffs, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The discussions will encompass various topics, such as Türkiye-Israel relations, “the Iranian threat,” and Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Additionally, they will address tariffs and the Israeli government’s ongoing battle against the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s trip also follows a phone call with Trump during which the prime minister raised concerns about the 17-percent tariffs currently imposed under Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” policy. Notably, Israel has recently moved to eliminate its remaining tariffs on US imports, a gesture that reflects the long-standing free trade relationship established by the two nations’ agreement signed four decades ago, which allows about 98 percent of US goods to enter Israel tax-free.
As Netanyahu visits Hungary—his first European trip since 2023—he navigates the geopolitical landscape while defying the ICC’s warrant. Hungary’s government, just before hosting Netanyahu, declared its withdrawal from the ICC, revealing the complexities of international law and diplomatic reciprocity. The United States, notably, is not a member of the ICC, which positions its relationship with Israel in a unique context, often characterized by mutual support and shared strategic interests.
The US-Israel relationship has historically been one of strong alliance, often hinging on shared security concerns in a volatile region. Trump’s presidency was marked by a staunch pro-Israel stance, including the controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Netanyahu’s rapport with Trump has led to significant developments, from recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights to advocating for hardline policies against Iran. However, these ties are not without criticism; opposition voices in both nations have raised alarm over a perceived alignment that overlooks human rights and humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Furthermore, negotiations regarding a new ceasefire in Gaza remain stalled, as Israel’s renewed military actions have further complicated the situation on the ground. The prospect of resolving tensions, including the return of Israeli captives held by Palestinian groups, figures prominently in their upcoming talks.
Trump has also been vocal in urging Iran to engage in discussions about its nuclear program. Despite these calls, Iran maintains that its nuclear endeavors are purely for civilian purposes, rejecting accusations from the West of pursuing nuclear weapons.
The upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and Trump thus represents not just a strategic dialogue on immediate issues, but also a broader reflection of the intertwined histories and policies shaping the US-Israel partnership and the ongoing complexities in the Middle East.
