Jerusalem/Palm Beach, December 29, 2025 – US President Donald Trump is poised to urge advancements in the stalled Gaza ceasefire during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. The discussions, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, will also address Israel’s apprehensions regarding Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran’s activities. Netanyahu announced the invitation earlier this month, emphasizing the need to progress on the second phase of the Gaza plan amid ongoing violations.
The October ceasefire, brokered by Washington, requires Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza while Hamas disarms and relinquishes governance. However, mutual accusations of breaches have hindered implementation. Hamas has refused to surrender weapons or return the remains of the last Israeli hostage, while reestablishing control in parts of the enclave. Israeli forces remain in about half of Gaza, and sporadic violence persists, with over 400 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes—mostly civilians, per Gaza health officials—and three Israeli soldiers lost to Palestinian attacks.
Pushing for Transitional Governance in Gaza
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stressed the urgency of establishing a transitional administration, including a Board of Peace and Palestinian technocrats, to precede the deployment of an international security force as mandated by the November 17 UN Security Council resolution. This setup aims to stabilize the region post-war, but both sides appear entrenched, with Israel threatening military action if Hamas does not comply peacefully.
Broader Regional Concerns: Lebanon and Iran
The talks will extend to Lebanon, where a November 2024 ceasefire ended over a year of conflict with Hezbollah. Despite Lebanon’s claims of nearing disarmament deadlines for the group south of the Litani River, Hezbollah resists, prompting near-daily Israeli strikes to curb rebuilding. On Iran, following a 12-day war in June and recent missile drills, Netanyahu seeks to discuss Tehran’s actions. Trump, who authorized US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites but later floated a potential deal, may explore diplomatic avenues. Israel remains vigilant, not seeking confrontation but prepared amid reports of Iran’s military exercises. The meeting underscores Washington’s role in mediating multiple fronts, with all parties cautious of adversaries regrouping after significant wartime losses.