Key points from the recent Trump-Netanyahu meeting:

• President Trump levied a 17% tariff on Israeli imports, causing concern amidst a volatile stock market.
• Netanyahu pledged to eliminate Israel's trade deficit with the US during a surprising Oval Office meeting.
• The planned press conference was abruptly canceled, focusing instead on urgent discussions regarding Gaza and trade.

In a significant diplomatic exchange on Monday, April 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, amidst escalating tensions related to newly imposed tariffs and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The meeting was marked by the absence of a planned press conference, which was unexpectedly canceled without explanation, creating speculation about the sensitive topics being discussed.

The backdrop to this meeting includes Trump's controversial trade policies, which have reverberated through global markets, leading to substantial declines in major indices. The President recently instituted a 17% tariff on Israeli imports as part of a broader tariff strategy designed to address perceived trade imbalances with various nations, a move that has raised alarms in the international business community. Netanyahu, acknowledging the economic impact, expressed a swift intention to eliminate Israel's trade deficit with the United States. "We intend to do it very quickly," he stated, emphasizing that Israel can serve as a model for fair trade practices.

The two leaders also touched on the deteriorating situation in Gaza, where a renewed military offensive has provoked international concern, especially following reports of civilian casualties. Trump notably refrained from commenting on Israel's military actions, a contrast to previous administrations that maintained a more critical stance. Experts suggest that Trump's lack of intervention grants Netanyahu greater flexibility to pursue aggressive military strategies in the region without the usual diplomatic accountability. As the New York Times noted, Netanyanu may feel emboldened by the current US administration's approach to foreign policy.

The choice to cancel the press briefing, which would have allowed for broader media coverage, has led to questions regarding the transparency of interactions between the two leaders. Observers speculate that this shift reflects a desire to control the narrative surrounding sensitive negotiations while also responding to mounting economic pressures resulting from the tariffs.

As the discussions unfolded, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to addressing challenges posed by its neighbors, stating that the conversation about Gaza and Iran's nuclear ambitions would be critical elements of their ongoing dialogue. The implications of this meeting could have a profound impact on not only US-Israel relations but also broader Middle Eastern geopolitics in light of ongoing tensions.

For further details, refer to the original reports from Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and India Times.