by Our Correspondent in Washington DC
In a sudden and unexplained move, the White House has canceled a planned press conference between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as global economic anxiety and Middle East unrest overshadowed the diplomatic visit.
Netanyahu, who arrived in Washington on Monday for high-level talks, was expected to appear alongside Trump in the East Room for a joint press briefing. However, just moments before the Israeli leader’s arrival, the event was abruptly scrapped. A brief photo opportunity and media “spray” inside the Oval Office remains on the schedule.
The decision comes on the heels of escalating market volatility triggered by Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs — a bold economic maneuver involving steep reciprocal levies on a wide range of imported goods. Monday marked the third consecutive day of market turmoil, as investors reacted to the uncertain economic landscape and the prospect of deepening global trade rifts.
Conflicting reports swirled throughout the day, with some sources suggesting the White House may be considering a 90-day delay to the new tariffs. Meanwhile, leaders from the UK, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea have reportedly reached out to negotiate exemptions or revised terms, hoping to avert the full brunt of the economic measures.
A senior White House official said nearly 50 countries have initiated contact to begin talks, signaling broad international concern. China, on the other hand, has taken a confrontational stance, announcing retaliatory tariffs of its own in response.
Overlaying the economic turbulence is the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which has further complicated the optics of the Netanyahu visit. While details of the Oval Office discussions remain under wraps, both leaders are expected to address a range of security and diplomatic issues, including the latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
