This is the official visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States on 7 April 2025. During the visit, Benjamin Netanyahu held meetings with President Donald Trump at White House and subsequently made diplomatic statements in the Oval Office.
Visit Timeline
Despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Penalty Court, Netanyahu made an official visit to Hungary on 3 April 2025. After meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, he traveled directly to the United States.
During a press statement made aboard Air Force One while returning from Florida to Washington, Donald Trump said, “We will talk about Trade and we will talk about an obvious issue. Do you know what that obvious issue is? Trying to make trade deals to calm down Only”.
According to the White House, the planned common press conference between Trump and Netanyahu was canceled. No reason was provided by officials. Instead, both leaders answered journalists’ questions together in the Oval Office.
Statements in the Oval Office
Discussions on Iran
Trump made the following remarks regarding direct diplomatic contacts with Iran: “We are speaking directly with Iran. Perhaps a great agreement will be achieved. We will meet at the highest level on Saturday and see how it turns out.” He also stated, “We want Israel to be part of any agreement with Iran, but we also want to avoid conflict.”
Trump warned that if no agreement is reached, Iran would face serious threats, saying, “If talks with Iran fail, they will be under immense danger and will never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.”
Security Agenda on the Turkey-Syria Border
Netanyahu indicated that relations with Turkey in the context of Syria were discussed. “We do not want Syria, or anyone including Turkey, to use it as a base for attacks against Israel,” he said. Netanyahu added, “We do not want Turkey to use Syria. We do not want to fight Turkey in Syria.”
Netanyahu also urged Trump to act as a mediator to prevent possible clashes between Turkey and Israel: “We discussed how to prevent this conflict with Turkey. I think no better mediator than Trump could be found.”
Trump emphasized his relationship with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying, “I have very good relations with a man named Erdoğan. I know the media dislikes Erdoğan, but I like him and he likes me, and we have no problems.” Highlighting Turkey’s role in Syria, Trump added, “Erdoğan is a very strong and intelligent man. He has done something no one else could do. He deserves credit.”
In response to Netanyahu’s comments on Turkey, Trump said, “I believe you can resolve every issue you have with Turkey. As long as you are reasonable, we too must be reasonable on this matter.” He further stated, “I have an excellent relationship with Turkey and its leader, and I believe we can resolve this issue. At this moment, I do not think it will become a problem.”
Trade and Customs Tariffs
Netanyahu was also scheduled to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his Washington visit. The discussion focused on the customs tariffs the United States plans to impose on Israeli goods.
Trump commented on trade with the Europe Union, saying, “Europe was exploiting us… Countries that previously took advantage of us in trade are now rushing to sign customs duty agreements with us.” He added, “Customs tariffs can be permanent, but negotiations are also possible.”
Gaza and the Palestinian Agenda
The Gaza issue was also addressed during the meeting between Trump and Netanyahu. U.S. President Trump reiterated his earlier proposal, saying, “After relocating the population of Gaza, we will call it a ‘freedom zone.’” He further stated, “Many country are willing to accept Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to rescue them from their death and poverty.”
Protests Against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv
On 7 April 2025, large crowds gathered at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, to protest and demand the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Demonstrators voiced criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and chanted various slogans.
Reaction to Netanyahu’s Visit in Washington
On the same day, as Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, pro-Palestinian groups gathered outside the White House in Washington to protest his visit to the United States.
