PALM BEACH, FL — In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter on December 29, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate to chart the path forward for a post-war Gaza. The meeting, the fifth between the two leaders this year, focused on the transition to “Phase Two” of the U.S.-brokered peace plan, with both leaders issuing a firm ultimatum to Hamas: total disarmament or “hell to pay.”
A “Phenomenal” Partnership
Standing alongside the Prime Minister, President Trump lauded Netanyahu as a “hero” and a “wartime leader,” dismissing reports of friction between the two administrations. Trump emphasized the necessity of Netanyahu’s leadership, stating that “Israel might not exist” without him following the October 7, 2023, attacks. In a significant show of support, Trump also voiced his backing for a potential pardon for Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial, calling him a victim of political persecution.
Netanyahu reciprocated the praise, declaring, “We’ve never had a friend like President Trump in the White House. It’s not even close.”
The Gaza Mandate: Disarm or Face Consequences
The primary objective of the summit was to revitalize the stalled 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.” While Phase One succeeded in halting major hostilities and returning most hostages, Phase Two has faced significant hurdles.
President Trump was explicit in his requirements for moving forward:
- Hamas Disarmament: Trump insisted that “there has to be a disarming of Hamas” before reconstruction and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) can begin.
- Technocratic Governance: The administration is pushing for a Palestinian “technocratic committee”—composed of non-partisan officials—to replace Hamas’s civil rule.
- Regional Stability: Discussions also touched on the fledgling government in Syria and a stern warning to Iran. Trump cautioned that if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear facilities, the U.S. will “knock the hell out of them.”
The Israel Prize
During the meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that President Trump would be awarded the Israel Prize, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Usually reserved for Israeli citizens, the award is being bestowed upon Trump for his “special contribution to the Jewish people” and his pivotal role in brokering the Gaza peace deal. Netanyahu credited Trump’s leadership with achieving the “impossible” and setting the stage for an expansion of the Abraham Accords.
Looking Ahead
Despite the optimistic rhetoric, challenges remain. Reports suggest some U.S. officials are frustrated with the pace of implementation, while Hamas has yet to commit to full disarmament. Nevertheless, Trump signaled a desire to move “very quickly,” hinting at major announcements regarding Gaza’s reconstruction as early as January 2026.
Mainstream Sources & Links
- Al Jazeera: Trump live: US president meets with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu
- The Guardian: Netanyahu says Donald Trump will receive Israel prize as pair hold press conference
- CBS News: Trump says he wants to move to 2nd phase of Gaza peace plan “as quickly as we can”
- The Times of Israel: Netanyahu aims to convince Trump that only threat of war can bring peace
- The Hindu: Trump, Netanyahu meet in Florida to discuss Gaza, Iran
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