A White House official told Newsnation that President Trump is expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
The meeting will come a few days after the president declares a 17% tariff on imported goods in the Middle East. Netanyahu will be the first international leader to visit the White House after the president’s announcement of the “Liberation Day” of the U.S. trading partners.
According to Axios, Trump requested a visit on Thursday during his journey to Hungary on Netanyahu. The Netanyahu office has not confirmed the meeting on Monday.
Israeli leader said he would impose all customs on products from Israel’s largest trading partner, the United States, days before the call.
“Removing customs duties on U.S. goods is another step in my administration’s policy that has been in the open market competition for a decade,” Netanyahu wrote in a post on social platform X.
He added: “In addition to the advantages over the market and the advantages of Israeli citizens, the current efforts can also allow us to further strengthen the alliance and ties between Israel and the United States.”
The meeting with Trump further discusses trade relations will require Netanyahu to postpone a planned hearing around his ongoing corruption trial. According to Axios, plans for Monday’s meeting may still be passed if his request for delay is rejected.
The Trump administration reportedly sought a ceasefire between the country and Hamas just weeks after Israel resumed strikes against Gaza.
The White House did not immediately respond to Hill’s request for comment on the matter.