Netanyahu to meet Trump at White House to discuss tariffs, Iran, and Gaza

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, according to Israel's state-owned Kan TV News. The meeting will focus on the 17% tariff imposed by the United States on Israeli goods as part of Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" policy affecting all trading partners.

Netanyahu, who is currently in Hungary, is expected to depart for the United States on Sunday, though his visit hinges on an Israeli court granting permission to postpone his upcoming corruption trial hearings, as reported by Israeli news site Walla.

The tariff issue is not the only topic on the agenda. The two leaders are also expected to discuss the ongoing nuclear crisis with Iran and the situation in Gaza. The timing of the meeting comes after Israel lifted all tariffs on US imports the day before Trump's announcement, but this move did not prevent the US from imposing tariffs on Israeli goods.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's visit to Hungary is under international scrutiny due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last November. The ICC accused Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of crimes against humanity and war crimes related to actions in Gaza. Despite this, Hungary has continued to host Netanyahu, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissing the ICC’s decision as politically motivated. Szijjarto emphasized Hungary's unwavering support for Israel and its right to self-defense, and assured that the country would maintain its cooperation with Israel despite the ICC's stance.

With IANS inputs