Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington for his second meeting with President Trump since Trump returned to office. The visit coincides with the 18-month mark of Israel’s war in Gaza, launched after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.
Netanyahu says he will discuss the release of hostages held in Gaza and new U.S. trade measures. Last week, the Trump administration imposed a 17% tariff on Israeli imports, part of broader reciprocal tariffs targeting dozens of countries.
At home, Netanyahu faces growing criticism from former Israeli security officials, protesters, and hostage families urging him to return to ceasefire talks—talks resisted by members of his far-right coalition.
Israel has escalated its military campaign in Gaza following a two-month ceasefire and has maintained a five-week blockade on aid. Human rights groups and the United Nations say the blockade violates international law.
Gaza health officials report nearly 60 deaths from Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours. An Israeli strike in Khan Younis killed two near a journalists’ tent, injuring nine more. Israel has not commented.
Sources
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