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Trump Praises Netanyahu Ahead of Florida Talks, Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire Phase Two
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Florida on Monday for high-level talks with former US President Donald Trump, as Washington seeks to advance the next phase of a fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Speaking ahead of their meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump offered strong praise for Netanyahu, describing him as a “wartime prime minister” who had guided Israel through an existential crisis.
“He has done a phenomenal job. He has taken Israel out of a very dangerous period of trauma,” Trump said. He added that Israel’s survival itself was at stake, remarking that the country “might not exist right now” had a different leader been in power. Netanyahu, standing beside him, nodded and smiled during the remarks.
Trump also reiterated that Hamas must disarm before negotiations can move into the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan.
Focus on Iran and Regional Security
During the visit, Netanyahu is expected to raise concerns about Iran, amid reports he may urge renewed US military action against Tehran’s nuclear program. Israeli officials have repeatedly warned that Iran remains a major threat to regional stability.
Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ahead of his scheduled talks with Trump.
Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said Netanyahu would emphasize the need to ensure that “Hamas is disarmed and Gaza is demilitarized” during the second phase of the agreement, while also highlighting the dangers posed by Iran to both the Middle East and the United States.
Hamas Rejects Disarmament Demand
Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, reiterated on Monday that it would not surrender its weapons, calling disarmament a red line as long as Israeli occupation continues. The group also confirmed the death of its longtime spokesperson, Abu Obeida, months after Israel said he was killed in an airstrike in Gaza.
Ceasefire Progress and Diplomatic Pressure
The Florida talks come as US officials express concern that both Israel and Hamas are delaying implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire. The agreement’s first phase led to the release of nearly all hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Under the proposed second stage, Israel would withdraw troops from Gaza, Hamas would lay down arms, and an interim Palestinian authority would govern the territory with support from an international stabilization force.
Trump has reportedly pushed to announce a technocratic Palestinian government for Gaza as early as January, alongside the deployment of international peacekeepers.
Growing Tensions Between Washington and Jerusalem
According to a report by Axios, senior White House officials are increasingly frustrated with what they view as Netanyahu’s reluctance to fully commit to the peace process.
“There are more and more signs that the American administration is getting frustrated with Netanyahu,” said Yossi Mekelberg of Chatham House.
Disagreements have also emerged over Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as over Iran’s missile capabilities following last year’s brief war between Israel and Tehran.
Iran has dismissed recent reports as a “psychological operation,” warning that any renewed aggression would trigger severe retaliation.
