Trump to Press Netanyahu on Gaza, Iran, Lebanon Ceasefire
- US President Donald Trump is expected to push for progress in the stalled ceasefire in Gaza when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
- Netanyahu stated this month that Trump had invited him for discussions, as Washington seeks to establish transitional governance and an international security force for the Palestinian enclave.
- Trump has indicated a potential meeting with the Israeli leader soon, but the White House has not confirmed details and did not respond to a request for comment...
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trump to discuss Gaza Ceasefire with Netanyahu Amidst Regional Concerns
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US President Donald Trump is expected to push for progress in the stalled ceasefire in Gaza when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. Talks will also include israel’s concerns over Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran.
Netanyahu stated this month that Trump had invited him for discussions, as Washington seeks to establish transitional governance and an international security force for the Palestinian enclave.
Trump has indicated a potential meeting with the Israeli leader soon, but the White House has not confirmed details and did not respond to a request for comment regarding the meeting. Netanyahu, anticipating a visit to Trump’s mar-a-Lago beach club, mentioned on December 22 that discussions were expected to cover the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, and also Iran and Lebanon.
Washington brokered ceasefires on all three fronts, but Israel remains wary of its adversaries rebuilding their forces after significant weakening during the war.
Read moreMore than 1,000 patients have died awaiting evacuation from Gaza since July 2024
Next Steps in Gaza Ceasefire Plan
All sides reportedly agreed in October to Trump’s ceasefire plan,which outlines Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas relinquishing its weapons, and foregoing a governing role in the enclave.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that Washington aims for the transitional governance envisioned in Trump’s plan – a Board of Peace and a body comprised of Palestinian technocrats – to be established promptly to govern Gaza, preceding the deployment of the international security force mandated by a November 17 UN Security Council resolution.
however,Israel and Hamas have accused each other of significant breaches of the agreement and appear no closer to accepting the more challenging steps outlined for the next phase. Hamas has refused to disarm and has not returned all hostages.