On Thursday, Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich brought together the top officials of the Finance Ministry for a further, more comprehensive meeting focused on how the Israeli government should address the newly introduced tariff policy announced by President Donald Trump.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu appointed Smotrich to head the Israeli side of the negotiations with the American administration on the matter.
During the discussion, senior ministry experts outlined a variety of strategic options that could be pursued collaboratively with the US, aiming to strengthen economic ties while avoiding or reducing any harmful repercussions for both nations.
The Finance Ministry emphasized that it is engaged in ongoing and in-depth communication with key players in Israel’s private sector, particularly those in manufacturing and export, who are expected to feel the effects of the proposed tariffs.
Concurrently, Israeli officials are working hand-in-hand with American counterparts to try and limit the range of products affected by the new tariffs and to cushion the blow to Israeli manufacturers and exporters.
A decision was made that once Pesach concludes, Smotrich will lead an official Israeli team to Washington, where they will begin detailed and focused negotiations with relevant US government representatives, with the goal of formulating agreements that will curb the potential fallout from the tariff plan.
{Matzav.com Israel}