This article is from: baltimoreravens.com
Netanyahu Heads to Washington After Hungary Visit, Plans Talks With Trump on Hostages, Tariffs, and Iran
By The Media Line Staff
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington on Sunday following a four-day visit to Hungary, where he held talks with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and praised the country’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Netanyahu is set to meet President Donald Trump on Monday for high-level discussions on US tariffs imposed on Israeli goods, the hostage crisis, Iran, and Israeli-Turkish relations.
“This is a very important meeting,” Netanyahu said before boarding his flight. “I am the first foreign leader to meet with Trump on this issue, which is so important to the Israeli economy.” He added that many other world leaders are waiting for similar talks, underscoring the close ties between the US and Israel.
In Hungary, Netanyahu thanked Orbán for his support in international forums and described the ICC as a “corrupt organization” after the court issued an arrest warrant against him in 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Orbán defended his decision not to enforce the warrant, saying it was not customary to arrest visiting dignitaries, especially allies.
While in Budapest, Netanyahu discussed arms production cooperation and met with Jewish leaders. He also visited a Holocaust memorial and received an honorary degree. The visit marked his first trip to Europe since 2023.
President Trump’s tariff decision followed Israel’s attempt to preemptively lift duties on remaining US imports. The White House insisted the tariffs were necessary due to a persistent trade imbalance. Netanyahu will also meet US officials, including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
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