It’s the most-watched handshake in the world today—Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are face-to-face in Washington, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the first foreign leader to visit President Trump since he detonated a global tariff bomb last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is walking into the White House with one goal: stop the 17% tariff on Israeli goods before it crushes trade ties with the U.S.
This high-stakes Trump Netanyahu tariff meeting isn’t just about Israel—it’s a global test case for the more than 50 countries now lined up, desperate to avoid Trump’s economic wrath.
“This is it. The first crack in the wall,” one senior diplomat said. “If Netanyahu gets a deal, everyone will want in.”
First in Line: Why Israel Goes First
Trump’s tariff blitz hit countries around the globe with no warning—and Israel was one of them, slapped with a 17% tax on goods imported into the U.S., from agricultural products to tech components.
But Israel didn’t waste time.
Netanyahu landed in Washington Sunday night and by morning was already meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer, trying to negotiate a way out.
“Israel is not a major trade threat,” said one Israeli official. “We’re an ally. We were caught in the crossfire.”
Now, Netanyahu gets first crack at trying to undo the damage—before Trump heads on his first overseas trip next month.
What Does Israel Want?
Simple: tariff relief—fast.
Netanyahu wants Trump to roll back the 17% tariff on Israeli imports or at least exempt certain industries. Food, agriculture, and defense-related tech are reportedly at the top of the list.
But Trump? He’s not just giving things away.
“Every deal comes at a price,” said one White House source. “Trump will want something in return.”
What Will Trump Ask For?
Experts say Trump may use the tariff pressure to get political—not economic—concessions from Israel.
Possible asks include:
- A temporary ceasefire in Gaza
- Progress on hostage release negotiations
- Movement on peace talks with Hamas
- A push toward normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia
And then there’s the West Bank—with whispers that Trump may demand Israel pause any annexation plans to maintain diplomatic goodwill.
“Trump is looking for a regional win,” said U.S.-Israel expert Eytan Gilboa. “If Netanyahu gives an inch, it could unlock a lot.”
Gaza, Iran, and Global Pressure
Of course, the tariff talk isn’t happening in a vacuum.
Trump and Netanyahu are also expected to cover:
- The ongoing war in Gaza
- Growing tensions with Iran
- Israel’s frosty relationship with Turkey
- The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu
Trump already sanctioned the ICC in February over its investigations into Israel—and this meeting gives Netanyahu a chance to reinforce those ties.
“We stand with our allies,” Trump said last week. “And we stand against those who try to criminalize them.”
Can Israel Offer a Deal?
Interestingly, Israel tried to play offense last week—announcing the removal of tariffs on U.S. goods just one day before Trump rolled out his own.
The move was supposed to show goodwill and boost ties with Washington. Instead? Israel still got hit with the 17% tariff anyway.
“It was a preemptive olive branch,” said one Israeli source. “But Trump wasn’t impressed.”
Now, Netanyahu’s team is scrambling to find something else—something big enough to get Trump’s attention.
What If Netanyahu Fails?
If the Trump Netanyahu tariff meeting doesn’t result in a deal?
- Israel keeps the 17% tariff
- U.S.-Israel trade could slump by billions
- Other countries may panic and try new tactics
- Trump gains leverage over all 50 nations now in line to talk
“If Trump refuses Israel, what chance does anyone else have?” one European ambassador said.
The Bigger Picture: Global Leaders Watching
This isn’t just a U.S.-Israel story.
Leaders from around the world are glued to this meeting, because it will likely set the tone for what negotiations look like going forward.
Countries already requesting meetings:
- Vietnam (who offered to lower tariffs to zero)
- Italy
- France
- India
- Canada
- United Kingdom
Even American allies are feeling the heat.
“Trump hit everyone—no one was safe,” said an EU trade official. “We’re all waiting to see what Netanyahu gets.”
Protest, Pressure, and Politics
Back home in Israel, Netanyahu is facing pressure from both sides.
Some say he must stand firm and protect Israel’s economy. Others argue the only way out is to make a deal—even if it means political concessions.
Meanwhile, Trump is dealing with Wall Street chaos, protests in U.S. cities, and mounting pressure from Congress, where lawmakers are pushing bills to limit presidential power over tariffs.
“This whole thing is on fire,” one analyst said. “And Netanyahu is walking straight into the flames.”
What’s Trump’s End Game?
It’s anyone’s guess—but insiders say Trump views the tariffs as a legacy move, one that reshapes America’s place in global trade.
He’s bypassed Congress, silenced critics, and dared world leaders to step into his arena.
“He wants them all to come to him,” said one former aide. “And now they are.”
Monday’s Schedule
- Netanyahu-Trump press conference at 2:30 p.m.
- Private bilateral meeting to follow
- Media availability expected by evening
- Trump expected to fly to Florida Tuesday for campaign stops
- Netanyahu to meet with Congress leaders Tuesday morning
What Happens Next?
If Netanyahu walks out of the meeting with a win—either full tariff relief or a delay in implementation—it will send a powerful message.
If he walks out empty-handed?
The tariff war will escalate. Fast.
Dozens of countries will have to recalibrate their strategy. U.S. trade partners may retaliate. And Trump will have even more leverage moving forward.
Final Word: Trump Netanyahu Tariff Meeting Could Reshape Global Trade
The Trump Netanyahu tariff meeting isn’t just about 17% taxes on Israeli oranges or electronics.
It’s about power. Diplomacy. Leverage. And legacy.
Two of the world’s most controversial leaders are sitting down today—and what they decide could impact economies across the planet.
Will Israel dodge the tariffs? Will Trump hold firm? And will other nations follow Netanyahu’s lead—or go their own way?
The world will find out at 2:30 p.m.
