Leaving Hungary, Netanyahu heads to US to discuss tariffs, hostages and Iran in meeting with Trump & Witkoff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday in a surprise addition to his Hungary trip. 

Netanyahu is also expected to hold an extended meeting with Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff. 

The prime minister announced his visit to the United States at the end of his official visit to Hungary. 

Speaking to the press just before boarding his plane in Budapest, Netanyahu said he planned to discuss the hostages, Gaza and the tariffs. 

“From here, I am departing for the US, at the invitation of President Trump, 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 also boasted about being the first world leader invited to meet with Trump on the issue of the recently imposed tariffs, which came as a shock to many in Israel, coming right after Israel canceled all remaining tariffs on U.S. imports. 

“I can tell you that I am the first international leader, the first foreign leader, who will meet with President Trump on the issue, which is so important to the Israeli economy,” Netanyahu stated. “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 is so vital at this time.” 

Trump called Netanyahu during his visit with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Thursday, Axios reported. During the call, Trump suggested that Netanyahu visit to discuss the decision to impose tariffs of 17% on Israeli imports. After the call, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that Netanyahu would be visiting Washington soon, “maybe even next week.” 

The presence of Witkoff in the visit appears to indicate that Netanyahu and Trump will also discuss the hostage issue, the continued fighting in the Gaza Strip, and Hamas' insistence on negotiations for a full withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) forces and an end to the war. 

It is believed that Netanyahu will also try to discuss Trump’s threats of a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, if Iran does not engage in direct negotiations over its controversial nuclear program. 

The Israeli defense sector is largely in favor of a strike on Iran’s nuclear targets, even if the U.S. is not willing, however, several analysts have argued that U.S. involvement would be necessary to carry out a successful strike on the heavily hardened nuclear sites.

The U.S. recently moved several B-2 Spirit bombers into the region, in an apparent attempt to pressure Iran ahead of renewed calls for direct talks for a nuclear agreement. 

The two leaders may also address Turkey’s efforts to establish a military presence in Syria. U.S.-Turkey relations have cooled in recent years, particularly after Ankara purchased the Russian S-400 air defense system, which led to its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program.

Turkey has also continued to launch attacks against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeastern enclave, despite the U.S. conducting security operations with SDF against ISIS elements in the country. 

Netanyahu is expected to return to Israel on Wednesday, heading directly to his ongoing corruption trial. His hearing on Monday was canceled in light of the surprise trip, however, the court did not approve canceling the Wednesday hearing.