Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet wiht former U.S. ⁣President ⁤Donald Trump in Florida to discuss ⁣the future of Gaza and broader regional strategies,including strengthening alliances in the Red Sea. This comes as a controversial agreement between Israel and ‍Somaliland draws⁣ international‍ criticism and ⁣as Trump pushes for a second phase of a peace agreement involving a technocratic Palestinian government.

Somaliland Deal Sparks International Backlash

A recent agreement between Israel and Somaliland – a self-declared state not internationally recognized – has triggered a ‍wave⁣ of condemnation. Somalia denounced the ‍agreement as a “purposeful attack” on its sovereignty, requesting an urgent meeting of the UN security Council. Turkey,‍ the‍ African Union, and Gulf states have also voiced strong opposition. Even Trump initially expressed skepticism, questioning, “Dose anyone really know⁢ what Somaliland is?” despite stating the issue woudl be “studied and evaluated.”

Red‍ Sea Strategy and Regional Alliances

Analysts suggest Netanyahu’s pursuit of the Somaliland agreement is part of a broader strategy to strengthen alliances in the red Sea, potentially in readiness for operations against the Houthi movement in Yemen.⁢ This move is seen as⁢ a way to compensate for stalled normalization⁤ efforts with Arab nations due⁤ to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Houthis have been attacking commercial ships in the red Sea, disrupting global trade. ⁢ The U.S.has already launched Operation Prosperity ‍Guardian, a multinational security initiative, to counter these attacks.

The Future ‍of Gaza: Trump’s Vision

The core of ⁢the ⁣discussions in Florida is expected to center on the future of the Gaza Strip.Trump is reportedly pushing for the implementation of the second⁣ phase of⁢ a peace⁢ agreement, which envisions a technocratic Palestinian government and⁣ the deployment of an international stabilization force. His goal is to present a framework for⁢ a “definitive resolution” at the World Economic Forum in Davos in ⁤January, including the disarmament of ⁤Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Netanyahu’s Concerns and Pushback

netanyahu has‍ reportedly ‍expressed reservations about ⁤plans developed by Jared⁢ Kushner and Steve Witkoff, key figures in the previous administration’s Middle East policy. Sources⁢ close to Axios indicate that the Israeli Prime Minister intends to use⁢ the meeting with Trump to reinforce his positions and⁢ counter increasing⁣ American pressure. Specifically, Netanyahu is concerned that the U.S. is pushing for concessions that could compromise Israel’s