The meeting comes at a tense moment for U.S.-Israel relations. Israel is pushing for relief from steep new U.S. tariffs, which could severely impact its export sector. At the same time, Trump’s decision to re-engage diplomatically with Iran on its nuclear program marks a strategic pivot. Netanyahu’s government has long opposed negotiations with Tehran, viewing them as a path to legitimizing Iran’s ambitions. The simultaneous escalation in Gaza, where Israeli operations continue, further complicates the diplomatic landscape.

Trump's administration announced sweeping tariff increases under a protectionist economic strategy, hitting Israeli exports with a 17% duty. Despite Netanyahu’s efforts, no rollback was announced during the visit. Meanwhile, Iran’s nuclear advancements have prompted Washington to seek direct talks, bypassing indirect negotiations used in the past. Trump presented this move as essential to avoid military confrontation while keeping pressure on Tehran.

Expect intensified lobbying from Israel for tariff exemptions and greater involvement in shaping the Iran negotiations. If direct U.S.-Iran talks show progress, Netanyahu may face domestic political pressure over perceived concessions. The Gaza situation could also flare further depending on parallel hostage negotiations and the humanitarian toll of ongoing military actions.