As Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza devastates the besieged enclave, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived at the White House for a high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu landed in Washington on Monday (7 April), to discuss Trump’s newly announced policy on “reciprocal tariffs”, reports the CNN.
The visit marks the first by a foreign head of state following the President’s tariff declaration.
Trump personally welcomed the Israeli leader upon his arrival.
Under the new policy, the United States has announced a 17% tariff on Israeli goods - prompting swift diplomatic engagement.
Israel has become the first country to be invited to the White House within a week of the announcement.
Director of the US National Economic Council Kevin Hassett stated, “Israel is the first to hold talks,” while indicating that similar discussions with other nations are forthcoming.
Despite the focus on trade policy, analysts speculate that the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza will also be discussed behind closed doors.
This marks Netanyahu’s second visit to Washington since Trump’s re-election for a second term; his previous visit took place in February.
In a surprising move, the White House has cancelled a joint press conference that had been scheduled following the meeting.
