Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Sunday night, ahead of a key meeting with US President Donald Trump and several high-level American officials set for Monday.
Upon his arrival, Netanyahu was greeted by members of the US administration, who welcomed him with full ceremonial honors, including a red carpet reception and an honor guard.
President Trump, speaking Sunday night, shared that trade would be a primary focus during his conversation with Netanyahu, highlighting the importance of strengthening economic ties between the United States and Israel.
Earlier in the day, as he prepared to depart from Hungary en route to Washington, Netanyahu told reporters he was traveling to the United States at the president’s request “to talk with him, of course, about these issues: The hostages, achieving victory in Gaza and – of course – the tariff regime that has been imposed on Israel. I hope that I will be able to help on this issue. That is the intention.”
Netanyahu underscored that he would be the first foreign leader to engage Trump directly on the tariff issue. “Which is so important to the Israeli economy. There is a long line of leaders who want to do this regarding their economies. I think that it reflects the special personal link, as well as the special ties between the US and Israel, which are so vital at this time.”
Trump and Netanyahu are expected to meet Monday at 1:00 p.m. local time, after which they will hold a joint press conference to address the media.
In advance of his sit-down with Trump, Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet tonight with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for discussions focused on the US-imposed tariffs on Israel.
{Matzav.com}