Netanyahu is the first leader to personally plead for a reprieve from stinging U.S. tariffs that have shaken the world. The two leaders discussed the Gaza situation and growing tensions with Iran. Since Mr. Trump and Netanyahu last met, the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has broken. Israel has since renewed its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Trump said: "I'd like to see the war stop and I think the war will stop at some point, that won't be in the too-distant future."

According to Israeli tallies, Israel launched the war after Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Since then, according to local health authorities, Israel has so far killed more than 50,000 Palestinians. Following the January ceasefire that saw some hostages released, Netanyahu said, Israel was working on "another deal we hope will succeed." He said "We're committed to getting all the hostages out, but also eliminating the evil tyranny of Hamas in Gaza and enabling the people of Gaza to freely make a choice to go wherever they want." 

Source:  IsraeliPM

Trump said work was ongoing to free hostages held by Hamas, but said securing the release of all the hostages was "a long process.” He also said having "a peace force like the United States there controlling and owning the Gaza Strip would be a good thing" and once again suggested that Palestinians from Gaza could be moved to different countries.

Netanyahu said he had discussed with Trump the U.S. president's "bold vision" for the future of Gaza, a reference to a proposal for the U.S. to take over the enclave that Trump put forward multiple times during the opening weeks of his administration. Trump's plan has been globally condemned as a proposal for ethnic cleansing.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr. Trump said that "we're having direct talks with Iran," beginning 12th April. "We have a very big meeting and we'll see what can happen," he said. The president said Iran is "going to be in great danger" if the direct talks don't go well.