Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, becoming the first foreign leader to visit Trump since he imposed tariffs on goods from various countries.
It is unclear whether Netanyahu's visit will result in a reduction or elimination of Israeli tariffs, but its outcome could influence how other world leaders respond to new tariffs.
Mr Trump greeted the Israeli prime minister, who came for the talks, with a firm handshake.
Mr Trump ignored persistent questions from reporters about the slump in global markets and whether he would lift tariffs on Israel.
Ahead of the meeting, the White House said a joint press conference between Trump and Netanyahu had been canceled.
The White House provided no immediate explanation for the cancellation, but Mr. Trump and Mr. Netanyahu made statements to the press at the start of a scheduled meeting in the Oval Office.
Mr Netanyahu has pledged to reduce the trade deficit with the United States after Mr Trump imposed 17 percent tariffs on goods from Israel last week.
In a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, the prime minister said Israel would seek to eliminate the trade deficit “as soon as possible,” adding that it would also work to reduce trade barriers with the United States.
“Israel can be a model for many countries to follow suit,” Mr. Netanyahu said, adding: “I am a supporter of free trade, and free trade must be fair.”
However, that may not be enough to make Mr Trump change his position on the 17 per cent tariffs imposed on Israel last week.
“Maybe not,” Mr. Trump said when asked whether he would cut tariffs on Israeli goods.
Referring to the billions of dollars in aid the United States provides each year, Mr Trump added: “Don't forget, we give a lot of help to Israel.”
Mr Netanyahu said work was underway on a new deal to free Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip.
He said he and Trump discussed ongoing efforts to free the remaining hostages and that they were working on another deal “that we hope will be successful.”
The Israeli leader stressed that their goal is to free all hostages and remove Hamas from Gaza.
He also mentioned that he had discussed with Mr.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
