Trump and Netanyahu cancel news conference amid tariff tensions

In Washington, DC, a scheduled news conference between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was cancelled, as announced by the White House. Officials attributed the cancellation to a desire to streamline their media engagements, given that the two leaders already had two media availabilities planned: an Oval Office greeting and a formal event. Instead, they would conduct a single news conference in the Oval Office with a significantly reduced number of reporters present.- The geopolitical backdrop surrounding the meeting included significant pressure on Trump regarding his recent tariff policies, which have contributed to turbulence in global markets. Meanwhile, Netanyahu was facing scrutiny over military actions in Gaza, particularly following reports that Israeli troops had killed 15 aid workers.- Despite the cancellation of the larger news conference, the Israeli Prime Minister's visit to Washington focused on tariffs and broader geopolitical discussions. The meeting came as Netanyahu sought to address trade concerns amid the ongoing effects of Trump's tariff decisions on various nations, including Israel. This visit marks Netanyahu as the first world leader to engage with Trump since the imposition of new tariffs, which have generated international debate and concern.- The meeting's agenda also included discussions on the war in Gaza, tensions with Iran, and Israel's relationship with Turkey. Trump's administration is understood to be pushing for further diplomatic movements facilitated by Netanyahu, potentially including an interim ceasefire with Hamas. Trump hopes to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough that could alter the landscape of international relations in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and other nations in the region, including Saudi Arabia.