The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown has forced the postponement of the country's third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) figures that were scheduled for release this week.
The postponement has left policymakers, financial institutions and businesses to make decisions in the dark without key data.
The federal government shutdown, now in its 31st day, could soon set an all-time record, with little sign of compromise between the Democratic and Republican parties.
The shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between seven billion and 14 billion U.S. dollars, depending on how long it drags on, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said in a report this week.
US government shutdown delays Q3 GDP data release
U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that Israel's attack on Beirut "should not have happened," while the Israeli military said it will continue its operations in Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that the Israeli military struck Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut's Dahieh suburb on Sunday, in response to firing into Israeli territory.
Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported an Israeli airstrike targeted a building in the Ghobeiri area in Beirut's southern suburbs.
The strike drew criticism from Trump, who said a regional peace deal, including Lebanon, was "very close" and urged all parties, especially Israel, to stand down.
"We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down," he wrote on Truth Social.
"This morning's attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran," he wrote.
Israel's Sunday strikes should not disrupt the diplomacy efforts for a U.S.-Iran peace deal, Trump said.
"There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel," the U.S. president added.
On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir, during his inspection of the Northern Command, said Israeli forces will continue military operations in Lebanon in an effort to secure more favorable terms in future U.S.-mediated negotiations between the two sides.
Zamir said the IDF's operations in key areas such as the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon were crucial, and that Israeli forces will continue their offensive and deepen their ground advance in necessary areas to eliminate security threats posed by Hezbollah.
He added that the IDF remains on high alert for potential developments on other fronts.
Trump says Israeli strike on Beirut should not have happened; Israel says it will continue Lebanon operations
