Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington, DC for discussions with US President Donald Trump, with a focus on key geopolitical and economic issues, including Iran, Gaza, tariffs, and the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

The meeting, expected to take place at the White House on Monday, follows a phone call between the two leaders last Thursday, during which Netanyahu reportedly raised concerns about the 17% tariff Israel faces under Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” policy.

Israel, which recently eliminated its remaining tariffs on US imports, has long benefited from a bilateral free trade agreement, with approximately 98% of American goods entering the country duty-free.

Netanyahu’s office also said the two leaders will address Israel-Türkiye relations, the conflict in Gaza, and strategies to counter actions by the ICC, which has issued a warrant against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The Israeli premier is currently in Hungary, marking his first European visit since 2023. His arrival coincided with Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC, announced just before Prime Minister Viktor Orban received Netanyahu.

Talks in Washington are also expected to touch on the stalled Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the fate of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian factions.

Trump is also expected to press Iran on resuming negotiations over its nuclear programme. While Western nations, led by the US, have long accused Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons, Iran insists its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and civilian in nature.

Source: Al Jazeera 

BDST: 1259 HRS, APR 06, 2025
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