Netanyahu Returns Empty-Handed from US Visit After Trump Delivers Double Blow

Washington/Jerusalem . April 8, 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s high-stakes visit to the United States concluded on a sour note as he failed to secure key trade concessions and was blindsided by the announcement of direct U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. The two setbacks delivered by President Donald Trump have not only embarrassed the Israeli leader but also intensified diplomatic tensions.

No Relief on Tariffs, No Diplomatic Breakthrough

Netanyahu had traveled to Washington with the hope of convincing the Trump administration to lift the 17% tariff imposed on Israeli goods. However, President Trump firmly rejected the request, offering no indication of future relief. The second blow came as Trump publicly announced that the U.S. is exploring direct nuclear negotiations with Iran, a move that deeply unsettles Israel’s security establishment.

High-Risk Journey Ends in Disappointment

Sources confirmed that Netanyahu had taken an alternate flight route, avoiding countries that adhere to the International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction, due to an arrest warrant risk over alleged war crimes in Gaza. He flew more than 400 kilometers extra for security reasons, only to return without a press conference, public statement, or diplomatic gain.

Netanyahu’s silence upon departure from Andrews Air Force Base and his visibly subdued demeanor have drawn attention from international and Israeli media, sparking concerns over his diplomatic standing.

Israel Faces Diplomatic Chill with US

This visit, which was supposed to bolster ties between Washington and Jerusalem, has instead raised questions about the future of their strategic partnership. Observers say that Netanyahu’s failure to secure tariff relief and the unexpected announcement on Iran point to a cooling of relations. The Israeli Prime Minister is now headed back to a nation grappling with internal unrest and external threats, without the much-needed U.S. backing he sought.

The Israeli PM Office confirmed that the visit “concluded as scheduled,” but political analysts describe the outcome as a diplomatic defeat. Many are now questioning the strength of Netanyahu’s rapport with Trump, which had once been considered one of the most reliable axes of Israel’s foreign policy.