The White House abruptly cancelled the scheduled afternoon news conference of President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without any explanation even ahead of Netanyahu&rsquo;s arrival. Trump and Netanyahu are meeting Monday afternoon, as new tariffs being levied by Trump on Israel and the rest of the world are about to go into effect. The stock market plummeted for the third day amidst panic over his sweeping reciprocal tariffs.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-shigeru-ishiba-calls-trump-asks-for-review-of-tariffs-more-talks-8936024" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba calls Trump, asks for review of tariffs, more talks</a>
Some reporters are still expected to watch part of the two leaders&rsquo; meeting in the Oval Office. Shortly after 1 pm, the White House informed that a scheduled 2:30 pm press conference would no longer take place.&nbsp;
The White House cancelled the planned news conference with Trump, instead planning to take questions from reporters in the Oval Office. Netanyahu has arrived at the White House, where he was greeted outside by Trump.&nbsp;
The news conference in the East Room was scheduled to take place after a bilateral meeting between the two leaders. Now, a smaller group of reporters, known as the "pool" and assigned to cover the president's movements each day, will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-china-biggest-abuser-as-markets-crash-tariffs-beijing-8935566" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Didn&rsquo;t heed my warning&rsquo;: Trump calls China &lsquo;biggest abuser&rsquo; as markets crash; Beijing slams US &lsquo;bullying&rsquo;</a>
After greeting Netanyahu at the White House, Trump ignored multiple questions from the pool about his sweeping new tariffs, the market turmoil that has followed his announcement, and the war in Gaza.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m97efhtz-xt8neeom-sr2khi7m">
President Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to the White House. <a href="https://t.co/TBfv4KN84r">pic.twitter.com/TBfv4KN84r</a>
&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1909297684541853817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
Usually, Trump holds both an informal Q&amp;A in the Oval Office and a formal news conference when world leaders visit the White House.
Trump and Netanyahu are expected to discuss the latest Israeli military operations in Gaza and new US tariffs announced by Trump against Israel and other countries.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-britain-strongly-condemns-israels-detention-of-two-woman-uk-mps-8930875" rel="noopener" target="_blank">'Unacceptable': Britain strongly condemns Israel's detention of two woman UK MPs</a>
Facing mounting pressure over the stock market crash and slump in the economy, Trump is not backing down and is calling his global tariffs a &ldquo;beautiful thing to behold&rdquo;. He claims that he&rsquo;s just fulfilling a campaign promise to bring back jobs to&nbsp;America.

World: Some reporters are still expected to watch part of the two leaders’ meeting in the Oval Office. Shortly after 1 pm, the White House informed that a scheduled 2:30 pm press conference would no longer take place.

The White House abruptly cancelled the scheduled afternoon news conference of President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without any explanation even ahead of Netanyahu’s arrival. Trump and Netanyahu are meeting Monday afternoon, as new tariffs being levied by Trump on Israel and the rest of the world are about to go into effect. The stock market plummeted for the third day amidst panic over his sweeping reciprocal tariffs. Also Read | Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba calls Trump, asks for review of tariffs, more talks Some reporters are still expected to watch part of the two leaders’ meeting in the Oval Office. Shortly after 1 pm, the White House informed that a scheduled 2:30 pm press conference would no longer take place. The White House cancelled the planned news conference with Trump, instead planning to take questions from reporters in the Oval Office. Netanyahu has arrived at the White House, where he was greeted outside by Trump. The news conference in the East Room was scheduled to take place after a bilateral meeting between the two leaders. Now, a smaller group of reporters, known as the "pool" and assigned to cover the president's movements each day, will have an opportunity to ask questions. Also read: ‘Didn’t heed my warning’: Trump calls China ‘biggest abuser’ as markets crash; Beijing slams US ‘bullying’ After greeting Netanyahu at the White House, Trump ignored multiple questions from the pool about his sweeping new tariffs, the market turmoil that has followed his announcement, and the war in Gaza. President Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to the White House. pic.twitter.com/TBfv4KN84r — CSPAN (@cspan) April 7, 2025 Usually, Trump holds both an informal Q&A in the Oval Office and a formal news conference when world leaders visit the White House. Trump and Netanyahu are expected to discuss the latest Israeli military operations in Gaza and new US tariffs announced by Trump against Israel and other countries. Also read | 'Unacceptable': Britain strongly condemns Israel's detention of two woman UK MPs Facing mounting pressure over the stock market crash and slump in the economy, Trump is not backing down and is calling his global tariffs a “beautiful thing to behold”. He claims that he’s just fulfilling a campaign promise to bring back jobs to America.

Trump welcomes Netanyahu to White House amid tariff turmoil; cancels press conference abruptly

With the US presidential election heading into the home stretch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely be hoping for Donald Trump to return to the White House.

Trump's last time in office was good for Netanyahu, and in the lead-up to the November 5 vote, the former president has sent mixed messages on his Middle East policy.

His remarks have ranged from encouraging Netanyahu to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities -- which Israel refrained from in its strikes Saturday -- to criticising the Israeli leader, saying "the October 7 attack would never have happened if I was president" and that he will pressure Israel to end the wars.

Yet it is these unclear policies, combined with Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan, that analysts say Netanyahu is hoping for.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:231,&quot;w&quot;:702,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1917}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-harris-pledges-to-prosecute-trump-in-10-days-as-michelle-obama-voices-genuine-fear-771042">US Election: Harris pledges to 'prosecute' Trump 'in 10 days' as Michelle Obama voices 'genuine fear'</a>

An isolationist, Trump as a Republican president might give Netanyahu more freedom to navigate the conflicts that continue to rage in Gaza and Lebanon.

"One of Netanyahu's milestones is the US election. He is praying for a Trump victory, which he thinks will give him a lot of freedom of movement, which will let him do what he aspires," Gidon Rahat, political science professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told AFP.

Aviv Bushinsky, a political commentator and Netanyahu's former chief of staff, similarly said: "His experience with Republicans is very good... unlike with the Democrats who are much tougher on him."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:450,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2136}">Close personal relationship</h2>

In 17 years as prime minister, Netanyahu has only served opposite one Republican leader, Trump.

During his presidency, Trump went ahead with several moves that boosted Netanyahu's domestic standing while upending some long-standing US policies on Israel, its conflict with the Palestinians and the wider region.

The Republican president moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, which Israel claims as its undivided capital, recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, and oversaw the normalisation of ties between three Arab states and Israel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:438,&quot;w&quot;:549,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2195}" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/beyonce-endorses-kamala-harris-at-houston-rally-gives-an-impactful-speech-770807">Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris at Houston rally, gives an impactful speech</a>

Trump also withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal with Israel's arch-foe Iran and reimposed tough economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has long had a frosty relationship with Netanyahu despite insisting on his "ironclad support" for Israel.

Unlike Trump, Biden had warned Netanyahu against striking Iran's oil production and nuclear facilities.

Trump and Netanyahu also enjoy a close personal relationship, with the former US president boasting this week of having had frequent phone calls with the Israeli premier.

"We have a very good relationship," Trump said at a rally in Georgia. "We're going to work with them very closely."

Those positives will outweigh any concerns, said Bushinsky.

"I think Netanyahu would be willing to take the risk of Trump's unpredictability," he said.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:961,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2647}">Popular in Israel</h2>

Trump is popular not just with Netanyahu but with the Israeli public.&nbsp;

An opinion poll conducted in September by Mitvim, the Israel Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, said 68 per cent of Israelis see Trump as the candidate who will best serve Israel's interests.

Only 14 per cent chose Vice President Kamala Harris, despite her repeatedly declaring her support for Israel and its right to defend itself.

"In Israel, more than any other liberal democracy outside the United States, Trump is more popular than Harris," said Nadav Tamir, a former Israeli diplomat to the United States and a member of Mitvim's board of directors.

A new Trump administration, though, could come with surprises, according to Tamir.

The former president has increasingly surrounded himself with Republicans "who are isolationists and don't want America to be the leader of the free world or international alliances", he said.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1290,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2976}">'Distrust'</h2>

Among Palestinians there is little enthusiasm for either candidate, said Khalil Shikaki, a Palestinian political scientist and pollster.

"Palestinians distrust both candidates and see little difference between them," he said.

Taher al-Nunu, a Hamas official, told AFP that he believed "successive US administrations have always been biased" towards Israel.

On the street, Palestinians said no matter who wins, life in their territories will not improve.

"I do not believe that the American elections will have a positive impact on our political reality," said Leen Bassem, a 21-year-old student at Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank.

Hassan Anwar, 42, a sound engineer, also said he did not believe there was any difference, "because American policy is completely clear in its support and backing of Israel".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

With the US presidential election heading into the home stretch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely be hoping for Donald Trump to return to the White House.

With the US presidential election heading into the home stretch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely be hoping for Donald Trump to return to the White House. Trump's last time in office was good for Netanyahu, and in the lead-up to the November 5 vote, the former president has sent mixed messages on his Middle East policy. His remarks have ranged from encouraging Netanyahu to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities -- which Israel refrained from in its strikes Saturday -- to criticising the Israeli leader, saying "the October 7 attack would never have happened if I was president" and that he will pressure Israel to end the wars. Yet it is these unclear policies, combined with Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan, that analysts say Netanyahu is hoping for. Also read | US Election: Harris pledges to 'prosecute' Trump 'in 10 days' as Michelle Obama voices 'genuine fear' An isolationist, Trump as a Republican president might give Netanyahu more freedom to navigate the conflicts that continue to rage in Gaza and Lebanon. "One of Netanyahu's milestones is the US election. He is praying for a Trump victory, which he thinks will give him a lot of freedom of movement, which will let him do what he aspires," Gidon Rahat, political science professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told AFP. Aviv Bushinsky, a political commentator and Netanyahu's former chief of staff, similarly said: "His experience with Republicans is very good... unlike with the Democrats who are much tougher on him." Close personal relationship In 17 years as prime minister, Netanyahu has only served opposite one Republican leader, Trump. During his presidency, Trump went ahead with several moves that boosted Netanyahu's domestic standing while upending some long-standing US policies on Israel, its conflict with the Palestinians and the wider region. The Republican president moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, which Israel claims as its undivided capital, recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, and oversaw the normalisation of ties between three Arab states and Israel. Also read | Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris at Houston rally, gives an impactful speech Trump also withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal with Israel's arch-foe Iran and reimposed tough economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has long had a frosty relationship with Netanyahu despite insisting on his "ironclad support" for Israel. Unlike Trump, Biden had warned Netanyahu against striking Iran's oil production and nuclear facilities. Trump and Netanyahu also enjoy a close personal relationship, with the former US president boasting this week of having had frequent phone calls with the Israeli premier. "We have a very good relationship," Trump said at a rally in Georgia. "We're going to work with them very closely." Those positives will outweigh any concerns, said Bushinsky. "I think Netanyahu would be willing to take the risk of Trump's unpredictability," he said. Popular in Israel Trump is popular not just with Netanyahu but with the Israeli public. An opinion poll conducted in September by Mitvim, the Israel Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, said 68 per cent of Israelis see Trump as the candidate who will best serve Israel's interests. Only 14 per cent chose Vice President Kamala Harris, despite her repeatedly declaring her support for Israel and its right to defend itself. "In Israel, more than any other liberal democracy outside the United States, Trump is more popular than Harris," said Nadav Tamir, a former Israeli diplomat to the United States and a member of Mitvim's board of directors. A new Trump administration, though, could come with surprises, according to Tamir. The former president has increasingly surrounded himself with Republicans "who are isolationists and don't want America to be the leader of the free world or international alliances", he said. 'Distrust' Among Palestinians there is little enthusiasm for either candidate, said Khalil Shikaki, a Palestinian political scientist and pollster. "Palestinians distrust both candidates and see little difference between them," he said. Taher al-Nunu, a Hamas official, told AFP that he believed "successive US administrations have always been biased" towards Israel. On the street, Palestinians said no matter who wins, life in their territories will not improve. "I do not believe that the American elections will have a positive impact on our political reality," said Leen Bassem, a 21-year-old student at Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank. Hassan Anwar, 42, a sound engineer, also said he did not believe there was any difference, "because American policy is completely clear in its support and backing of Israel". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Elections: Will Trump's return to power benefit Netanyahu?

US President Donald Trump's peace plan for West Asia delights Israel but fails to recognise Palestinian sovereign ambition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-unveils-middle-east-peace-plan-jerusalem-to-be-undivided-capital-277163">Also Read: Trump unveils Middle East peace plan; Jerusalem to be undivided capital</a>

The plan attaches nearly impossible conditions for granting the Palestinians their hoped-for state that sides with Israel on borders, the status of Jerusalem and Jewish settlements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-israeli-palestinian-plan-has-a-chance-276949">Also Read: Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance'</a> 
&nbsp; 
It's being proclaimed as the deal of the century. Many Presidents before Donald Trump have tried and all of them have failed to bring peace between Israel and Palestine. 
&nbsp; 
So how is Donald Trump's deal different from the earlier ones. For starters, Israel supports the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump and said this was an opportunity of the century. 
&nbsp; 
Netanyahu's gratitude towards Trump is because the deal is stacked largely in Israel's favour.

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Major takeaways from the "deal of the century"

There will be a 4-year freeze on Israeli settlements which means a halt in the expansion of Israel's construction activities in the West Bank. 
&nbsp; 
The deal promises to double the area under the control of the Palestinian authorities. But a major portion of the West Bank settlements will be recognised under Israeli sovereignty. 
&nbsp; 
Trump has vowed to grant statehood to Palestine if it demilitarises and stops funding terror groups. As expected the deal does advocate the 2-state solution.

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According to the President, an undivided Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel. 
&nbsp; 
In the same breath, Trump also said he would proudly open a US embassy in a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem. It's still unclear as to how such an arrangement could work.

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The contentious Jordan valley has been recognised as part of Israel due to national security reasons. And on the economic front, Palestine has been promised $50 billion in investment with more than a million jobs to be created. 
&nbsp; 
The deal continues to draw on many aspects from the Oslo accords, including the region's map. The architect of the plan, Jared Kushner has said that the different parts of Palestine will be linked using tunnels, overbridges and huge highways. 
&nbsp; 
Both Kushner and Trump called this deal the last chance for peace in the region.The major stakeholder in the deal, Palestine have outrightly rejected the deal. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called it the slap of the century. 
&nbsp; 
But according to Jared Kushner, the Palestinians look like fools for rejecting the deal. He said this is an opportunity for Palestine to prove that they truly want statehood.

US President Donald Trump's peace plan for West Asia delights Israel but fails to recognise Palestinian sovereign ambition. Also Read: Trump unveils Middle East peace plan; Jerusalem to be undivided capital The plan attaches nearly impossible conditions for granting the Palestinians their hoped-for state that sides with Israel on borders, the status of Jerusalem and Jewish settlements.

US President Donald Trump's peace plan for West Asia delights Israel but fails to recognise Palestinian sovereign ambition. Also Read: Trump unveils Middle East peace plan; Jerusalem to be undivided capital The plan attaches nearly impossible conditions for granting the Palestinians their hoped-for state that sides with Israel on borders, the status of Jerusalem and Jewish settlements. Also Read: Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance' It's being proclaimed as the deal of the century. Many Presidents before Donald Trump have tried and all of them have failed to bring peace between Israel and Palestine. So how is Donald Trump's deal different from the earlier ones. For starters, Israel supports the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump and said this was an opportunity of the century. Netanyahu's gratitude towards Trump is because the deal is stacked largely in Israel's favour. Major takeaways from the "deal of the century" There will be a 4-year freeze on Israeli settlements which means a halt in the expansion of Israel's construction activities in the West Bank. The deal promises to double the area under the control of the Palestinian authorities. But a major portion of the West Bank settlements will be recognised under Israeli sovereignty. Trump has vowed to grant statehood to Palestine if it demilitarises and stops funding terror groups. As expected the deal does advocate the 2-state solution. According to the President, an undivided Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel. In the same breath, Trump also said he would proudly open a US embassy in a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem. It's still unclear as to how such an arrangement could work. The contentious Jordan valley has been recognised as part of Israel due to national security reasons. And on the economic front, Palestine has been promised $50 billion in investment with more than a million jobs to be created. The deal continues to draw on many aspects from the Oslo accords, including the region's map. The architect of the plan, Jared Kushner has said that the different parts of Palestine will be linked using tunnels, overbridges and huge highways. Both Kushner and Trump called this deal the last chance for peace in the region.The major stakeholder in the deal, Palestine have outrightly rejected the deal. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called it the slap of the century. But according to Jared Kushner, the Palestinians look like fools for rejecting the deal. He said this is an opportunity for Palestine to prove that they truly want statehood.

Palestinians infuriated as Trump unveils Middle-East peace plan with Jerusalem as Capital

US President Donald Trump while unveiling the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-unveils-middle-east-peace-plan-draws-flak-from-palestinians-277189">Middle East peace plan</a> said Israel was taking "a big step towards peace".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-israeli-palestinian-plan-has-a-chance-276949">Also Read: Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance'</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-trump-to-unveil-middle-east-peace-plan-277128">US president</a> added he was saddened by the plight of the Palestinians.&nbsp;

Trump with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu by his side declared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-peace-plan-calls-for-two-states-settlement-freeze-wion-news-world-news-277173">the plan made the region safer</a> and more prosperous.

"Palestinians deserve a far better life,"&nbsp;the US president asserted. "Today, Israel has taken a giant step toward peace," he said.

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"Yesterday, Prime Minister Netanyahu informed me that he is willing to endorse the vision as the basis for direct negotiations - and, I will say, (opposition leader Benny Gantz) also endorsed and very strongly - with the Palestinians a historic breakthrough," Trump asserted.

The US president said the Mideast plan was 80 pages long and the "most detailed" ever.

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"I was not elected to do small things," the US president declared.&nbsp;"This is the last opportunity the Palestinians will ever have," Trump said.

"Jerusalem will remain Israel's undivided capital," Trump said while expanding on the plan, adding, "Mideast plan proposes a realistic two-state solution."&nbsp;&nbsp;The president added that he had written to Palestinian leader Abbas on the plan.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-prime-minister-calls-on-world-to-boycott-donald-trumps-peace-plan-276902">No Palestinians</a> will be uprooted," Trump insisted.&nbsp;The US president said the Palestinians will have their capital in east Jerusalem.

While presenting the plan, the US president proposed a four-year freeze of Israeli development in the area eyed for the&nbsp;Palestinian state.

Israel PM Netanyahu thanked Trump for the plan and said it was a "historic day".&nbsp; "The US Middle East plan is a great plan for Israel and peace."&nbsp;

"US to recognise settlements as part of Israel," Netanyahu said.

"US and Israel are scripting history together," he said.

US President Donald Trump while unveiling the Middle East peace plan said Israel was taking "a big step towards peace". Also Read: Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance' The US president added he was saddened by the plight of the Palestinians.

US President Donald Trump while unveiling the Middle East peace plan said Israel was taking "a big step towards peace". Also Read: Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance' The US president added he was saddened by the plight of the Palestinians. Trump with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu by his side declared the plan made the region safer and more prosperous. "Palestinians deserve a far better life," the US president asserted. "Today, Israel has taken a giant step toward peace," he said. × "Yesterday, Prime Minister Netanyahu informed me that he is willing to endorse the vision as the basis for direct negotiations - and, I will say, (opposition leader Benny Gantz) also endorsed and very strongly - with the Palestinians a historic breakthrough," Trump asserted. The US president said the Mideast plan was 80 pages long and the "most detailed" ever. × "I was not elected to do small things," the US president declared. "This is the last opportunity the Palestinians will ever have," Trump said. "Jerusalem will remain Israel's undivided capital," Trump said while expanding on the plan, adding, "Mideast plan proposes a realistic two-state solution." The president added that he had written to Palestinian leader Abbas on the plan. "No Palestinians will be uprooted," Trump insisted. The US president said the Palestinians will have their capital in east Jerusalem. While presenting the plan, the US president proposed a four-year freeze of Israeli development in the area eyed for the Palestinian state. Israel PM Netanyahu thanked Trump for the plan and said it was a "historic day". "The US Middle East plan is a great plan for Israel and peace." "US to recognise settlements as part of Israel," Netanyahu said. "US and Israel are scripting history together," he said.

Trump unveils Middle East peace plan; Jerusalem to be undivided capital

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled his much-awaited peace plan on Tuesday at the White House. Alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said his plan is "a win-win" for both Israel and the Palestinians.

Trump, Netanyahu make joint statements from White House

U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his much-awaited peace plan on Tuesday at the White House. Alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said his plan is "a win-win" for both Israel and the Palestinians.

Trump's Peace Plan Calls for Two States, Settlement Freeze

Before becoming an Advisor to the President of the United States, Kushner was, and some would argue that he still is, a real estate developer who married Donald Trump's daughter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-unveils-middle-east-peace-plan-draws-flak-from-palestinians-277189">Also read: Palestinians livid as Trump unveils Middle-East plan with Jerusalem as Capital</a>

Per his new position, Kushner was tasked with promoting American innovation, overseeing arms sales to Saudi Arabia and resolving the US opioid crisis.

Many have speculated that Kushner was also appointed to oversee the conflict between Israel and Palestine even though he has no experience of Middle East diplomacy simply because he has close ties to the Netanyahu family.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-unveils-middle-east-peace-plan-jerusalem-to-be-undivided-capital-277163">Also Read: Trump unveils Middle East peace plan; Jerusalem to be undivided capital</a>

A lack of experience in Middle East negotiations could be an asset in forging a peace agreement, compared to the well-read who struggled with the matter for years in an attempt to establish checkpoints and access to Gaza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-israeli-palestinian-plan-has-a-chance-276949">Also Read: Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance'</a>

Among the matters Jared Kushner was charged with when President Trump was elected, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one that the POTUS's son-in-law decided to begin with a completely blank slate. He was adamant at the outset to never discuss history with the Palestinians or the Israelis or anyone else.

A daring approach this was to take, especially in a region steeped in conflict since time immemorial. Kushner decided to deal with the problem by engineering a proposed settlement without any consultation with either of the parties involved. That was how this "ultimate deal" was conceived, the one Trump is expected to formally present to Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister at the White House.

Details of the deal have been widely criticized for favouring Israel by opening the door to its annexation of large parts of the occupied territories and giving it almost total control of Jerusalem.

Kushner's team was an obvious clue as to where the process was heading, for it included individuals such as David Friedman, a lawyer who had close ties to the Jewish settler movement in the occupied territories and the guy who Trump appointed as US ambassador to Israel.

Friedman has often likened members of a liberal US Jewish group to Nazi collaborators for their criticism of the Israeli government’s actions and questioned the need for a Palestinian State.

Palestinians were alienated by the Trump administration with a series of actions favouring Israel, such as slashing funding for Palestinian refugees and moving the US embassy to Jerusalem.

Kushner then garnered support from Egypt’s authoritarian president, the kings of Saudi Arabia and Jordan to pressure the Palestinian Authority into going along with the White House plan.

The Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman was among those wooed by Kushner, which some have speculated - alongside military contracts - could be the reason behind inaction on part of the Trump administration over the murder of the Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Before becoming an Advisor to the President of the United States, Kushner was, and some would argue that he still is, a real estate developer who married Donald Trump's daughter.

Before becoming an Advisor to the President of the United States, Kushner was, and some would argue that he still is, a real estate developer who married Donald Trump's daughter. Also read: Palestinians livid as Trump unveils Middle-East plan with Jerusalem as Capital Per his new position, Kushner was tasked with promoting American innovation, overseeing arms sales to Saudi Arabia and resolving the US opioid crisis. Many have speculated that Kushner was also appointed to oversee the conflict between Israel and Palestine even though he has no experience of Middle East diplomacy simply because he has close ties to the Netanyahu family. Also Read: Trump unveils Middle East peace plan; Jerusalem to be undivided capital A lack of experience in Middle East negotiations could be an asset in forging a peace agreement, compared to the well-read who struggled with the matter for years in an attempt to establish checkpoints and access to Gaza. Also Read: Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance' Among the matters Jared Kushner was charged with when President Trump was elected, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one that the POTUS's son-in-law decided to begin with a completely blank slate. He was adamant at the outset to never discuss history with the Palestinians or the Israelis or anyone else. A daring approach this was to take, especially in a region steeped in conflict since time immemorial. Kushner decided to deal with the problem by engineering a proposed settlement without any consultation with either of the parties involved. That was how this "ultimate deal" was conceived, the one Trump is expected to formally present to Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister at the White House. Details of the deal have been widely criticized for favouring Israel by opening the door to its annexation of large parts of the occupied territories and giving it almost total control of Jerusalem. Kushner's team was an obvious clue as to where the process was heading, for it included individuals such as David Friedman, a lawyer who had close ties to the Jewish settler movement in the occupied territories and the guy who Trump appointed as US ambassador to Israel. Friedman has often likened members of a liberal US Jewish group to Nazi collaborators for their criticism of the Israeli government’s actions and questioned the need for a Palestinian State. Palestinians were alienated by the Trump administration with a series of actions favouring Israel, such as slashing funding for Palestinian refugees and moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. Kushner then garnered support from Egypt’s authoritarian president, the kings of Saudi Arabia and Jordan to pressure the Palestinian Authority into going along with the White House plan. The Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman was among those wooed by Kushner, which some have speculated - alongside military contracts - could be the reason behind inaction on part of the Trump administration over the murder of the Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Jared Kushner: Meet the man behind Middle-East peace plan

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-netanyahu-gantz-in-deadlock-as-unity-government-looms-250456">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>'s long grip on power appeared in jeopardy on Wednesday after elections left him tied with his main challenger Benny Gantz raising the prospect of tough negotiations to build a unity government or even the end of the Israeli premier's record-long rule.

In a sign of the demanding negotiations to come, sources in Netanyahu's office said that he was cancelling a planned trip next week to the UN General Assembly in New York due to the "political context" in Israel.

He had been due to meet his "friend" US President Donald Trump on the fringes of the international gathering to discuss a defence treaty between the two allies.

But Israel's longest-serving premier is staying home as he battles to retain his grip on power.

Watch: Lengthy coalition talks loom as Israel election results point to deadlock

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With more than 95 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 32 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 33 places in Israel's 120-member parliament.

Gantz's slim lead, however, gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition, raising the possibility of negotiations towards a unity government.

"There are only two options, a government led by me or a dangerous government dependent on the Arab parties," Netanyahu told a press conference in Jerusalem on Wednesday night.

"In these times, more than ever, when we face enormous security and political challenges, it cannot be that there will be a government that depends on anti-Zionist Arab parties," he said.

Throughout his campaign, Netanyahu warned, as he has in previous elections, that left-wing and Arab voters were showing up in large numbers to try to oust him.

Media said the mainly Arab Joint List alliance was set to become the third-largest bloc in parliament with 13 seats.

End of 'Netanyahu era'?

"The Netanyahu era is over," said Ahmed Tibi, one of the list's leaders. "If Gantz calls, we shall tell him our conditions for supporting him."

If the initial results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current administration as he faces the possibility of a corruption indictment in the weeks ahead.

Gantz, addressing supporters in Tel Aviv, called for a "broad unity government" but cautioned that he was waiting for final results. "We will act to form a broad unity government that will express the will of the people," the former armed forces chief said.

"We will begin negotiations and I will speak with everyone." Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman could prove to be kingmaker, with the reported results giving his secular-nationalist party Yisrael Beitenu nine seats.

He has not declared in favour of either of the two leading contenders. 
"There is only one option for us," he has stated.&nbsp;

"That is to form a broad, liberal, national unity government" with Yisrael Beitenu, Blue and White and Likud.&nbsp;

Such a government would not include the ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The staunch secularist Lieberman has long campaigned against what he sees as their undue clout which he accuses of seeking to impose Jewish religious law on Israel's secular population.

He would also not partner with Arab parties.

'Disease of hatred'

"Israel has a problem," the top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot newspaper wrote Wednesday. "We have been afflicted with the disease of hatred." 
"Some people want to sharpen the divisions and to see a clear division between 'left' and 'right' but that is precisely the way to worsen the disease."

Whatever the shape of the next Israeli government, the Palestinians are prepared to talk peace, said their foreign minister, Riyad al-Maliki.

"Whoever will be able to form a government, we are ready to sit with him or her in order to restart the negotiations," Maliki told reporters in Oslo, accompanying president Mahmud Abbas on a two-day visit.

But Abbas later gave a blunt assessment of Palestinian preferences for a new Israeli government.&nbsp;

"Our position: against Netanyahu," he said.

Arab turnout

Israel's Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister.

"The main difference in this vote is the turnout among Arab citizens," Joint List leader Ayman Odeh told journalists outside his home in the northern city of Haifa.

"There's no doubt that this is what made the difference. Without that, Netanyahu would already be prime minister."

The election was the second in five months for Israel.&nbsp;

President Reuven Rivlin, who must appoint someone to attempt to form the next government, said there was a "need to avoid a third".

Netanyahu suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous elections in April.

His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else to try.

The stakes could not be much higher for 69-year-old Netanyahu, who many believe will seek immunity from prosecution should he survive as prime minister.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long grip on power appeared in jeopardy on Wednesday after elections left him tied with his main challenger Benny Gantz raising the prospect of tough negotiations to build a unity government or even the end of the Israeli premier's record-long rule.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long grip on power appeared in jeopardy on Wednesday after elections left him tied with his main challenger Benny Gantz raising the prospect of tough negotiations to build a unity government or even the end of the Israeli premier's record-long rule. In a sign of the demanding negotiations to come, sources in Netanyahu's office said that he was cancelling a planned trip next week to the UN General Assembly in New York due to the "political context" in Israel. He had been due to meet his "friend" US President Donald Trump on the fringes of the international gathering to discuss a defence treaty between the two allies. But Israel's longest-serving premier is staying home as he battles to retain his grip on power. Watch: Lengthy coalition talks loom as Israel election results point to deadlock With more than 95 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 32 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 33 places in Israel's 120-member parliament. Gantz's slim lead, however, gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition, raising the possibility of negotiations towards a unity government. "There are only two options, a government led by me or a dangerous government dependent on the Arab parties," Netanyahu told a press conference in Jerusalem on Wednesday night. "In these times, more than ever, when we face enormous security and political challenges, it cannot be that there will be a government that depends on anti-Zionist Arab parties," he said. Throughout his campaign, Netanyahu warned, as he has in previous elections, that left-wing and Arab voters were showing up in large numbers to try to oust him. Media said the mainly Arab Joint List alliance was set to become the third-largest bloc in parliament with 13 seats. End of 'Netanyahu era'? "The Netanyahu era is over," said Ahmed Tibi, one of the list's leaders. "If Gantz calls, we shall tell him our conditions for supporting him." If the initial results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current administration as he faces the possibility of a corruption indictment in the weeks ahead. Gantz, addressing supporters in Tel Aviv, called for a "broad unity government" but cautioned that he was waiting for final results. "We will act to form a broad unity government that will express the will of the people," the former armed forces chief said. "We will begin negotiations and I will speak with everyone." Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman could prove to be kingmaker, with the reported results giving his secular-nationalist party Yisrael Beitenu nine seats. He has not declared in favour of either of the two leading contenders. "There is only one option for us," he has stated. "That is to form a broad, liberal, national unity government" with Yisrael Beitenu, Blue and White and Likud. Such a government would not include the ultra-Orthodox Jews. The staunch secularist Lieberman has long campaigned against what he sees as their undue clout which he accuses of seeking to impose Jewish religious law on Israel's secular population. He would also not partner with Arab parties. 'Disease of hatred' "Israel has a problem," the top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot newspaper wrote Wednesday. "We have been afflicted with the disease of hatred." "Some people want to sharpen the divisions and to see a clear division between 'left' and 'right' but that is precisely the way to worsen the disease." Whatever the shape of the next Israeli government, the Palestinians are prepared to talk peace, said their foreign minister, Riyad al-Maliki. "Whoever will be able to form a government, we are ready to sit with him or her in order to restart the negotiations," Maliki told reporters in Oslo, accompanying president Mahmud Abbas on a two-day visit. But Abbas later gave a blunt assessment of Palestinian preferences for a new Israeli government. "Our position: against Netanyahu," he said. Arab turnout Israel's Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister. "The main difference in this vote is the turnout among Arab citizens," Joint List leader Ayman Odeh told journalists outside his home in the northern city of Haifa. "There's no doubt that this is what made the difference. Without that, Netanyahu would already be prime minister." The election was the second in five months for Israel. President Reuven Rivlin, who must appoint someone to attempt to form the next government, said there was a "need to avoid a third". Netanyahu suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous elections in April. His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else to try. The stakes could not be much higher for 69-year-old Netanyahu, who many believe will seek immunity from prosecution should he survive as prime minister.

Benjamin Netanyahu's 10-year-long rule threatened by deadlocked Israeli polls

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-benjamin-netanyahus-10-year-long-rule-threatened-by-deadlocked-israeli-polls-250475">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> called on Thursday on his main rival, former general Benny Gantz, to join him in a broad, governing coalition after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-cancels-un-visit-over-post-poll-political-context-250452">Israel's election </a>ended with no clear winner.

A spokeswoman for Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party, had no immediate response to the surprise offer from Netanyahu, head of the right-wing Likud party.

The change of strategy reflected Netanyahu's weakened position after he failed again in Tuesday's election, which followed an inconclusive ballot in April, to secure a parliamentary majority.
<img alt="Israel" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c503763-0b03-404a-b548-9e9703232f10" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_9.jpg" />
"During the election campaign, I called for the establishment of a right-wing government but to my regret, the election results show that this is impossible," Netanyahu said.

"Benny, we must set up a broad unity government, as soon as today. The nation expects us, both of us, to demonstrate responsibility and that we pursue cooperation."

On Wednesday, Gantz said he hoped for a "good, desirable unity government". But he has also ruled out forming one with a Netanyahu-led Likud, citing looming corruption charges against the prime minister. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Thursday on his main rival, former general Benny Gantz, to join him in a broad, governing coalition after Israel's election ended with no clear winner.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Thursday on his main rival, former general Benny Gantz, to join him in a broad, governing coalition after Israel's election ended with no clear winner. A spokeswoman for Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party, had no immediate response to the surprise offer from Netanyahu, head of the right-wing Likud party. The change of strategy reflected Netanyahu's weakened position after he failed again in Tuesday's election, which followed an inconclusive ballot in April, to secure a parliamentary majority. "During the election campaign, I called for the establishment of a right-wing government but to my regret, the election results show that this is impossible," Netanyahu said. "Benny, we must set up a broad unity government, as soon as today. The nation expects us, both of us, to demonstrate responsibility and that we pursue cooperation." On Wednesday, Gantz said he hoped for a "good, desirable unity government". But he has also ruled out forming one with a Netanyahu-led Likud, citing looming corruption charges against the prime minister. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.

Benjamin Netanyahu urges rival Benny Gantz to form a unity government with him