The Israeli media is reporting on the perceived failure of Netanyahu’s visit to the White House. The news site “Times Of Israel” wrote that Netanyahu did not get what he wanted from Trump regarding taxes, Iran, and Turkey. It was pointed out that Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in front of Netanyahu.

“Netanyahu Returns Empty Handed” The Yedioth Ahronot newspaper in Israel summarized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington visit this way, highlighting that it did not go as planned for Netanyahu. It was noted that Trump called Netanyahu to the White House not to reach an agreement on taxes but to prioritize diplomacy in the nuclear crisis with Iran.

“FAILED TO SECURE TAX CUT” It was emphasized that Trump aimed to prevent Israel from sabotaging US-Iran talks and attacking Iran. The Yedioth Ahronot newspaper wrote that Netanyahu received a more derogatory response from Trump on taxes. It was stressed that Netanyahu failed to secure a tax cut and would return empty-handed in that regard. It was also highlighted that there was no concrete decision on releasing hostages in Gaza during the White House meeting.

BALANCING ACT BETWEEN TURKEY AND ISRAEL Trump’s remarks on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan indicate that the US is trying to prevent conflict between Turkey and Israel. The Times Of Israel news site wrote that Netanyahu aimed to secure concessions as the first leader to meet with Trump at the White House after raising taxes. However, it was mentioned that he failed to reach this goal, as Trump did not agree to a tax cut but reminded Israel of the billions of dollars in aid given annually.

PRAISE FOR PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN CATCHES ATTENTION Times of Israel also noted that Trump’s announcement of direct negotiations with Iran was a surprise for Netanyahu and his team. The article highlighted that Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in front of Netanyahu, despite Erdogan’s critical stance on Israel and support for Hamas. It was even mentioned that Trump told Netanyahu to “be reasonable” about issues with Turkey. The perception that Netanyahu would have an easy 4 years during Trump’s presidency was contradicted by this visit.