Türkiye-Israel relations among key topics in Netanyahu-Trump meeting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday to address a range of geopolitical issues, including Türkiye-Israel relations, the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza, and newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Israeli exports, according to the Israeli media outlet Yedioth Ahronoth.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed the visit on Saturday. It comes immediately after Netanyahu concludes a trip to Hungary.

Israeli officials say the meeting was arranged urgently following a phone call Thursday in which Trump invited Netanyahu to discuss the tariff issue in person.

US tariffs on Israeli goods top the agenda

A central item on the agenda is the 17% tariff the United States has imposed on Israeli goods as part of a broader trade policy shift announced by Trump.

According to the Israeli finance ministry, the move affects Israeli exports, particularly machinery and medical equipment.

• The U.S. is Israel’s largest trading partner.
• Nearly all U.S. goods enter Israel duty-free because of a longstanding free trade agreement.
• In response, Israel removed remaining tariffs on American products last week.

Despite this move, the White House upheld the new tariff policy, prompting Netanyahu’s visit. A senior Israeli official noted the economic urgency, stating, “We are facing global economic shifts, and the Prime Minister wants to address this before it escalates further.”

Türkiye-Israel relations to be discussed

Beyond trade, Netanyahu is reportedly expected to raise Tel Aviv’s concerns about Türkiye’s alleged involvement in Syria and its growing regional influence.

Türkiye-Israel relations have been tense in recent years, particularly in light of regional power dynamics. Recently, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Türkiye of wanting to turn Syria into a Turkish protectorate and of playing a negative role in both Syria and Lebanon.

“The Turkish role is not limited to Syria, and they play a negative role in Lebanon,” he said.

Gaza hostage crisis and Iran policy also on the table

The meeting will also address the status of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, with Netanyahu aiming to encourage increased U.S. pressure on Hamas.

A senior Israeli official emphasized the role of U.S. envoys in leading negotiations, noting that “American mediators are playing a key role in the hostage talks.”

Iran‘s alleged nuclear ambitions and the country’s regional activities will also be part of the discussion, as will Israel’s opposition to the International Criminal Court, which recently issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over war crimes in Gaza.

Netanyahu requests trial delay in meeting

Netanyahu’s legal team has once again requested a postponement of the prime minister’s criminal trial testimony, citing the Washington visit.

The court approved a delay for Monday’s session but denied postponing Wednesday’s hearing, instructing the proceedings to continue with another defense witness.

Diplomatic significance of the visit

The visit marks Netanyahu’s second in-person meeting with Trump, but the first meeting following the imposition of the tariffs.

Israeli officials highlighted the diplomatic weight of the occasion, stating that the swift scheduling reflects “the depth and warmth” of the leaders’ relationship.

“Many leaders are waiting for a chance to meet with President Trump, and the Prime Minister is the first to be received after the tariff announcement,” an Israeli official said to the media.