Trump and Netanyahu discuss Gaza war and trade deals

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President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet Monday at the White House for their second face-to-face discussion since Trump’s inauguration.

The leaders will address several critical matters, including trade tariffs, the ongoing situation in Gaza, and concerns about Iran’s activities in the region.

The upcoming meeting was jointly announced by Netanyahu’s office and White House officials on Saturday. This diplomatic engagement occurs as Israel implements a new security strategy in Gaza, establishing a buffer zone to counter Hamas operations.

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The Israeli government maintains its position of continuing military operations in Gaza until Hamas meets several conditions: releasing the remaining hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attack, surrendering their weapons, and withdrawing from the region.

As part of its strategy against Hamas, Israel has implemented a complete blockade of Gaza, cutting off access to essential supplies including food, fuel, and humanitarian assistance.

Netanyahu’s office released a statement outlining the meeting’s agenda: “the tariff issue, the efforts to return our hostages, Israel-Turkey relations, the Iranian threat and the battle against the International Criminal Court.”

A significant focus will be addressing the 17 percent tariff currently imposed on Israel.

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This diplomatic mission marks Netanyahu as the pioneering foreign leader to seek tariff negotiations with Trump in Washington.

Their previous encounter in February was historic, as Netanyahu became the first international leader to receive a White House invitation during Trump’s second term.

That meeting centered on Israel’s military campaign against Hamas and discussions about implementing a ceasefire agreement.

The United States continues to be Israel’s most important diplomatic partner and leading trade ally. Their economic relationship, established through a free trade agreement four decades ago, has resulted in nearly all American goods entering Israel without taxation.