Israeli industrialists: Tariffs need to go or "destructive consequences" for Israeli economy

Following Prime Minister Netanyahu's meeting today (Monday) with President Donald Trump, which included an offer to eliminate all tariffs and trade barriers and even purchase enough US goods to eliminate the trade deficit, Dr. Ron Tomer, the President of the Manufacturers' Association explained the necessity of eliminating the tariffs altogether in a statement today.

In his statement, he said that "the government must continue negotiations with full force and quickly reach an agreement with the US on tariffs until their complete cancellation. President Trump holds a very positive approach toward Israel, and we believe that the government has the ability to take decisive and swift measures and present a quick framework to close commercial gaps that will benefit both countries."

The Association President also added that "keeping US tariffs in place is expected to be devastating to the Israeli economy and lead to damages of billions of dollars and the dismissal of tens of thousands of workers. Therefore, we must change this harsh decree and save the Israeli economy. There is no other alternative."