Talks today between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are expected to be dominated by Washington’s shock tariffs on Israel and escalating tensions with Iran, as well as the Gaza issue, AFP reports.

Netanyahu will also discuss Israel’s war on Gaza, the Israeli hostages still held in the Palestinian territory, and the growing “threat from Iran”, his office said.

He becomes the first foreign leader to meet with Trump in the US capital since the president unveiled sweeping levies on multiple countries in his “Liberation Day” announcement on Wednesday.

Analysts said Netanyahu will seek to secure an exemption from the tariffs for Israel.