A ‘Heavy’ dinner for Trump and Netanyahu: Gaza, Ukraine, Tariffs

The meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, which did not, however, lead to the announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip; a seeming reversal by Trump on Ukraine, expressing “discontent” with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance; and the widely expected relaunch of a “universal tariff war,” with a series of letters sent to 14 countries but the implementation of new tariffs postponed to August 1st, these are the key international issues dominating U.S. media coverage in recent hours.

Nonetheless, the major headlines in the leading outlets remain focused on the deadly floods in central Texas, where the death toll has exceeded one hundred, including 27 girls and staff from the Camp Mystic summer camp. Attention is shifting toward potential political responsibility for the disaster, particularly in light of climate crisis denial policies and the downsizing of civil protection services. Many media outlets have noted that, in this case, unlike his usual practice, President Trump has not immediately identified any culprits, perhaps also because Texas Governor Ray Abbott is one of his staunch allies.

Middle East: Trump/Netanyahu, compliments exchanged but little else

The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu publicly resulted in an exchange of compliments but did not lead to a ceasefire announcement. The Israeli Prime Minister adopted the flattering tone European leaders have used to placate the former president, announcing he had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, he reiterated that security in Gaza and the West Bank must remain “forever” in Israeli hands, and that he and Trump are exploring options for relocating Palestinians, essentially reviving the idea of clearing Gaza, at least of Hamas elements.

“There are people,” Netanyahu said, “who want to stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to. It must not be a prison — it must be an open place… We are looking for countries that want to offer Palestinians a better future… We have received strong cooperation from many neighboring countries…”

Regarding the future status of the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu stated: “I believe Palestinians should have full powers for self-government, but none of those powers should threaten us. That means decision-making power and general security will always remain in our hands. No one in Israel will accept anything different… We value our lives and those of our neighbours… We can achieve a broad peace that includes all our neighbours.”

Before dining with Trump, Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Responding to journalists’ questions, Trump said: “The Iranians want to meet with us… they want to reach a deal,” though he did not provide a date for the resumption of nuclear talks.

Ukraine: Trump, unhappy with Putin, will send weapons to Zelensky

“I’m not at all happy with President Putin… I’m frankly disappointed that he hasn’t wanted to stop the war in Ukraine,” Trump said during the dinner with Netanyahu. As a result, the United States will send new weapons to Kyiv: “We have to do it, because the Ukrainians — who are being hit very hard right now — must be able to defend themselves.”

Last week, the Pentagon announced a pause and slowdown in arms deliveries to Ukraine, particularly air defense missiles and precision artillery ammunition, citing shortages for U.S. armed forces. However, subsequent phone calls between Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appear to have changed the former president’s mind, especially regarding air defense.

Tariffs: Trump sends letters and boasts $1 trillion in revenues

“With tariffs, we’ve already brought in over $100 billion — and we haven’t even started yet.” Trump made the announcement yesterday, just hours after signing letters addressed to 14 countries — including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, South Africa, and Kazakhstan — warning of additional tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% that will take effect on August 1st, unless alternative agreements are reached in the meantime.

Negotiations are ongoing with the European Union and other countries, at the expiration of the three-month truce declared by Trump on April 9th, a deadline that has effectively already been postponed to August 1st. The U.S. has already reached trade agreements with a handful of countries, including the United Kingdom, Vietnam, and, in broad terms, China.