Netanyahu Lands in Washington, Plans Extended Stay for High-Level Talks with Trump and VP Vance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington late Sunday night for a closely watched diplomatic visit that will include meetings with President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and senior U.S. economic officials.

Originally scheduled as a brief trip, Netanyahu is now expected to extend his stay in order to meet with Vance on Tuesday, pushing back his planned return to Israel. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is already en route to join the delegation, while Israel’s chief economic advisor, Prof. Avi Simhon, is also expected to participate in negotiations.

The top items on the agenda include the Trump administration’s new 17% tariff on Israeli exports and the proposed Gaza relocation initiative, a plan that would see willing nations accept Palestinian in exchange for U.S. diplomatic or economic incentives. Israeli officials say several countries have expressed interest, requesting concessions such as removal from U.S. sanctions lists or support for regional goals.

Netanyahu and Trump are also expected to discuss the remaining hostages held in Gaza of which 21 to 22 are believed to still be alive, with the rest confirmed or presumed dead.

Sources say the majority are being held underground in Hamas tunnels.

With regards to Trump’s tariff policy, Israeli officials are preparing a series of compromise offers aimed at easing the trade strain between the two allies.

Regarding regional security, Lebanon will also be discussed. Meanwhile, The U.S. has deployed an additional THAAD air system in Israel amid ongoing concerns about Iranian missile attacks.

Netanyahu’s travel route to Washington also drew attention. After Hungary publicly dismissed the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against him, several other European countries allowed Netanyahu’s plane to fly through their airspace, including Croatia, Bulgaria, Italy, and France.

Notably, he avoided flying over the Netherlands, the UK, Ireland, Portugal, and Iceland — all of which declined Israel’s request for overflight clearance.

The Israeli leader’s visit marks a critical test of how far support from Trump-aligned nations can insulate him from international legal and diplomatic isolation — and how much political capital he can still leverage to shape Israel’s future.