Trump, Netanyahu discuss Gaza hostages, tariffs at White House
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House, focusing on the Gaza hostage crisis and US tariffs on Israeli goods
- WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu met at the White House, focusing on the Gaza hostage crisis and US
tariffs on Israeli goods.
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- In a brief Oval Office session open to reporters, Trump on Monday
called the release of hostages held in Gaza a "top priority." He
expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations but provided no specific details.
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- "We're making progress," Trump said. "I
believe we'll see all the hostages home soon."
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- Netanyahu agreed, emphasising Israel's commitment to
securing the hostages' freedom.
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- They also addressed the shaky ceasefire between Israel and
Hamas. While they announced no new agreements, both stressed the importance of
reducing violence in the region, Xinhua news agency reported.
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- Trump defended his recent 17 per cent tariff on imports from
Israel, part of his broader trade policy affecting many economies.
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- Netanyahu reportedly sought relief from these tariffs,
highlighting Israel's efforts to strengthen trade ties with the United States.
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- In 2024, the total goods trade between the two countries was
an estimated at $37.0 billion, with US exports to Israel at $14.8 billion and
imports from Israel at $ 22.2 billion, resulting in a $ 7.4 billion US trade
deficit.
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- Netanyahu's visit to the White House was arranged in a phone
call last Thursday between the two leaders when Netanyahu raised the tariff
issue, according to Israeli officials.
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- The White House had initially planned a joint press
conference but canceled it without explanation. Instead, reporters asked
questions during their brief access to the Oval Office meeting.
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- Trump did not discuss any long-term plans for Gaza's
redevelopment during this meeting. His administration has previously proposed
controversial ideas for the region, which have faced criticism from various
groups.
