Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the US on Sunday night as Washington prepares its new tariff-focused approach to international trade.
The US is expected to implement sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs on nearly all of its trading partners on Wednesday in a move that has already upended markets and created great uncertainty.
While far from the hardest hit, Israel is expected to be faced with a 17 per cent tax on goods shipped to the US.
Mr Netanhyahu boasted on Sunday that he would be the first international leader to meet Mr Trump to discuss the issue, since he announced them earlier this week.
“I can tell you that I am the first international leader, the first foreign leader, who will meet with President Trump on the issue, which is so important to the Israeli economy,” Mr Netanyahu said. “There is a long line of leaders who want this regarding their economies. I think that it reflects the special personal link, as well as the special ties between the US and Israel, which is so vital at this time.”
Mr Trump has made tariffs the centre point of his economic agenda and appears willing to incur short term pain and the possibility of a recession for what he believes will eventually pay dividends and return US manufacturing and industrial supremacy, though many economists question the viability of his plan.
This will be Mr Netanyahu’s second trip to the US since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest in November. The ICC warrant accused Mr Netanyahu and two other senior Israeli officials of bearing responsibility for "war crimes". Neither Israel nor the US are signed up to the ICC.
Mr Netanyahu arrives in Washington after a visit to Hungary, which withdrew from the court while he was in Budapest, allowing him to avoid arrest.
His visit comes at a time of great uncertainty in the Middle East. Israel has relaunched its military campaign in Gaza to devastating effect.
Mr Netanyahu’s government has prevented humanitarian aid from entering the besieged enclave since March 2, as it attempts to punish Hamas for not agreeing to new ceasefire terms put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff last month.
Israel has retaken territory in Gaza. Earlier this week Mr Netanyahu announced plans to create yet another Israeli controlled corridor in Southern Gaza.
He is expected to discuss the war in Gaza as well the hostages still being held by Hamas with Mr Trump when the two meet.
if you go
The flights
Fly direct to Kutaisi with Flydubai from Dh925 return, including taxes. The flight takes 3.5 hours. From there, Svaneti is a four-hour drive. The driving time from Tbilisi is eight hours.
The trip
The cost of the Svaneti trip is US$2,000 (Dh7,345) for 10 days, including food, guiding, accommodation and transfers from and to Tbilisi or Kutaisi. This summer the TCT is also offering a 5-day hike in Armenia for $1,200 (Dh4,407) per person. For further information, visit www.transcaucasiantrail.org/en/hike/
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
