Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a key trip to the United States, where he plans to meet directly with President Donald Trump to address the recent imposition of a 17% tariff on Israeli goods. The measure, part of the White House’s broader strategy to correct global trade imbalances, has raised concerns in Israel, as the U.S. is its main trading partner.
Although the trip has not yet been officially confirmed, Netanyahu must obtain court approval to leave the country due to an ongoing corruption trial. Nevertheless, sources from both the Israeli government and the White House have indicated the visit could take place this Monday.
According to U.S. news outlet Axios, the two leaders may also take the opportunity to discuss the situation in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear program.
On Friday, Netanyahu spoke by phone with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address those issues. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio expressed Washington’s support for Israel and discussed the Biden administration’s determination to secure the release of hostages in Gaza, as well as the recently announced tariffs.
The call came amid rising regional tensions, as Israeli forces have ramped up their military offensive in Gaza following the breakdown of a ceasefire with the terrorist group Hamas last month.
In an attempt to lessen the impact of the new tariffs, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the removal of all remaining tariffs on U.S. imports. However, the move has so far failed to produce results. Speaking from Tel Aviv, Smotrich said the Israeli government remains committed to “continuing dialogue” with the White House to “minimize the damage” these tariffs could cause to the Israeli economy.
Trump, for his part, has left the door open for Netanyahu’s visit next week. “I think he’ll be in the country sometime in the near future, maybe next week,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One. It would be the second meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to power in January.
During their last meeting at the White House on February 4, the U.S. president presented his plan to bring peace to Gaza.
Gaza and Iran’s nuclear program have long been recurring topics in U.S.–Israel discussions. The recent escalation in the region has triggered increased diplomatic activity, with Netanyahu seeking to shore up U.S. support amid the ongoing tariff crisis.
The Israeli leader’s visit could be a crucial step toward easing tensions and strengthening the strategic alliance between the two countries—even as new threats continue to emerge, such as the recent attack claimed by Houthi rebels on a military target in Tel Aviv.
The U.S. has responded forcefully, striking the Yemeni group. On Friday, Trump posted a video on his Truth Social platform showing an airstrike on Houthi fighters in Yemen, accompanied by a brief “Oops!” and a clear warning: “They’ll never sink our ships again!”
