TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Their meeting is likely to be dominated by discussions on U.S. import tariffs and escalating tensions with Iran.
Netanyahu becomes the first foreign leader to meet with Trump in the U.S. capital since Trump announced imposing hefty taxes on some countries. Trump announced the imposition of import tariffs during an event themed ''Liberation Day'' last Wednesday.
Netanyahu arrived in Washington after visiting Hungary. He seeks to persuade Trump to revoke the decision regarding the 17 percent tariff on Israel. Before departing Budapest, Netanyahu said the discussions would involve various issues, including the tariff regime that has also been imposed on Israel.
In a statement, he is the first international leader, the first foreign leader to meet with President Trump on an issue that is very crucial for Israel's economy. He is confident that this reflects a special personal relationship and a unique bond between the United States and Israel, which is crucial at this time.
Analysts say Netanyahu will strive to obtain an exemption from the tariffs for Israel. Jonathan Rynhold, Head of Political Studies at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, said the urgency of the visit is logical in terms of stopping it before it becomes an institutional issue.
He said such an exemption would not only benefit Trump's closest ally in the Middle East but also please the Republican Party in Congress, whose voters care about Israel but are not willing to confront Trump on this issue at the moment.
Israel is seeking to prevent Trump from applying import tariffs to their products. However, Trump continues with his new policy, stating that the United States has a significant trade deficit with Israel.
Yannay Spitzer, an economics professor at the Hebrew University, said Netanyahu is also trying to play along by visiting the U.S. and showing Trump that Israel will support him.
According to his office, Netanyahu will also discuss the war in Gaza, hostages still held in Palestinian territories, and the increasing threats from Iran.
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