Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met this evening (Monday) with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, as part of a diplomatic visit centered on key strategic issues, foremost among them the Iranian nuclear threat.
Netanyahu arrives at the White House:
A source in the Prime Minister’s delegation said: “There is full coordination with the Americans. A unified message is always important – but at moments like these, it’s critical. We are working to bring back as many hostages as possible, and this is a major diplomatic opportunity.”
“Total Halt to Iran’s Nuclear Threat”
A senior Israeli official said earlier that Netanyahu is expected to present Trump with what a “truly good deal” with Iran should look like – a deal that would include a complete dismantling of its nuclear program. According to the source, Israel is working to maintain close dialogue with the U.S. administration and ensure that any future framework guarantees a total halt to Iran’s nuclear threat.
“We Found Several Solutions to Several Issues”
During a joint statement at the White House, President Donald Trump declared, “We found several solutions to several issues – and we will continue working on them,” emphasizing his commitment to Israel by stating, “I am the best president Israel has ever had.” Trump added that direct talks with Iran are underway and mentioned a meeting with Iranian representatives scheduled for Saturday: “We’ll see how it goes.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Trump for keeping his word, saying: “You actually do what you say you’ll do. I deeply respect that…and so do the Jewish people. You are a great great champion in our lives.” Netanyahu added that the two discussed tariffs and trade terms between the countries, as well as the hostage issue: “We want to get all the hostages out of Gaza.”
Trump spoke of his meeting the freed Israeli hostages and his shock at their stories, recalling how they told him there was not one moment of humanity towards them on the part of their captors.
Trump said he expects the war in Gaza to end at some point, discussing the “Trump Plan” to give Gazans the choice to emigrate from the Strip to other countries.
The President also noted that the United States is acting forcefully in the regional arena, saying of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, “We really hit them hard.”
President Trump Participates in a Bilateral Meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel, Apr. 7, 2025 https://t.co/V4Ut70MGse
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 7, 2025
First Visit – Amid Trade War Announcement
Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to meet with Trump since the dramatic announcement of a new trade war, which includes tariffs on 60 countries, among them Israel. Yesterday, Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer. The Prime Minister’s Office described the meeting as “productive” and expressed hope that Israel would receive exemptions or relief under the new trade policy.
Trump’s tweet welcoming Netanyahu:
President Trump welcomes Prime Minister Netanyahu for their second meeting this term—just 62 days after @Netanyahu became the first foreign leader welcomed at the White House this term. pic.twitter.com/xmf24BMaET
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 7, 2025
Ongoing Middle East Dialogue
Meanwhile, the office of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced this evening that the Egyptian president spoke with President Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Jordan’s King Abdullah. According to the statement, the four leaders discussed ways to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza and promote the release of hostages. It was also reported that the leaders called for accelerating efforts to ease Palestinian humanitarian suffering and to advance the implementation of the two-state solution.
