Photo: Reuters
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a joint statement after their talks at the White House, outlining the key topics of the meeting and the agreements reached. Both leaders emphasised the strong strategic partnership between the US and Israel.
Trump: “I am the best president for Israel”
Donald Trump stressed that the meeting had brought concrete results:
“We have found solutions to some problems. We will continue to work on them. We will reach fair agreements on tariffs,” the US president said.
He confirmed the discussion of the Iranian threat and the start of direct talks with Iran on Saturday:
“An agreement is better. But if there is no agreement, we will do what the situation requires.”
Separately, Trump warned China of a possible new 50 per cent tariff if Beijing does not agree to renegotiate trade terms.
Netanyahu: on hostages, Hamas and countries for Gazans
Israeli Prime Minister announces progress in humanitarian initiatives:
“We talked about hostages and the Gaza Strip. We are working on another agreement and dropping charges against Hamas.”
He also noted progress on trade issues:
“We will quickly eliminate the trade deficit with the US.”
Netanyahu stressed that Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons:
“It may be diplomatic, but in any case, it’s not.”
Other topics under discussion include the resettlement of some Gaza residents: according to the Prime Minister, negotiations are underway with countries that can accept those who wish to leave the enclave.
This meeting in Washington was another step towards consolidating the US-Israeli alliance in the face of growing tensions in the Middle East and geopolitical turbulence.
