'Israel might not exist without Netanyahu': Trump lavishes praise
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "wartime prime minister" who has done a phenomenal job. The two leaders met at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where they discussed the next stage of the fragile Gaza ceasefire plan. "He is a wartime prime minister. He has done a phenomenal job. He has taken Israel out of a very dangerous period of trauma," Trump said during the meeting.
Ceasefire conditions
Hamas must disarm for ceasefire's 2nd phase: Trump
Trump also stressed that Hamas must disarm before moving into the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. The meeting was held amid fears from some White House officials that both Israel and Hamas are delaying the next stage of their ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu's office confirmed he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ahead of his talks with Trump.
Iran focus
Netanyahu to discuss Iran's nuclear threat
Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said Netanyahu would discuss disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza in the second phase of the agreement. He also addressed the "danger Iran poses not only to the region of the Middle East, but the United States as well." The top issue that Netanyahu raised was voicing concerns about Iran and Hezbollah rebuilding their military capabilities, particularly on long-range missiles. Trump publicly said, "We're going to have to knock them down. We'll knock them down."
Diplomatic tensions
Trump's administration frustrated with Netanyahu's peace process
Trump's administration and regional mediators are keen to maintain momentum after the October ceasefire in Gaza. The first phase of the truce deal required Hamas to release remaining hostages from its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Under the second stage, Israel is supposed to withdraw from Gaza while Hamas lays down its weapons. However, both sides have alleged frequent ceasefire violations, with Hamas's armed wing reiterating its refusal to surrender weapons, citing self-defense against occupation.
Peace board
Trump plans new Gaza 'Board of peace' meeting
Axios reported that Trump wanted to hold the first meeting of a new Gaza "Board of Peace" at the Davos forum in Switzerland in January. However, senior White House officials are growing frustrated with what they see as Netanyahu's attempts to stall the peace process. The Israeli and US administrations are increasingly at odds on several key issues, including Israel's continued strikes on Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Syria.