Trump–Netanyahu Talks Aim to Revive Gaza Ceasefire and Address Iran, Hezbollah Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to push for progress on the stalled Gaza ceasefire when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, according to statements from Israeli officials. The high-level talks are set to focus on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, as well as Israel’s security concerns regarding Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran’s regional activities.

Netanyahu confirmed earlier this month that Trump had invited him for discussions as Washington continues efforts to shape a post-war framework for Gaza. The United States is seeking to establish a transitional governance structure and deploy an international security force in the Palestinian enclave. Although Trump has publicly said the meeting could take place soon, the White House has not officially confirmed the timing or location, and did not respond to requests for comment. Netanyahu is expected to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

The ceasefire plan, agreed upon by all sides in October, calls for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas giving up its weapons, and the militant group stepping aside from governing the territory. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently emphasized Washington’s desire to quickly implement a transitional administration, including a Board of Peace and a group of Palestinian technocrats, before the deployment of an international security force authorized by a U.N. Security Council resolution passed on November 17.

Despite the agreement, implementation has faltered. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of serious violations, and negotiations over the more complex second phase remain stalled. Hamas has refused to disarm and has not returned the remains of the final Israeli hostage, while Israeli forces continue to control roughly half of Gaza. Israel has warned it could resume military operations if Hamas does not disarm peacefully.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire has reduced but not ended violence. Israeli strikes since October have killed more than 400 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health officials, while Palestinian militants have killed three Israeli soldiers.

Regional tensions also loom large. In Lebanon, a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah agreed in November 2024 has been repeatedly tested, as Israel conducts frequent strikes to prevent the Iran-backed group from rearming. Iran, which fought a brief war with Israel in June, recently carried out missile exercises. Netanyahu has said Israel does not seek confrontation with Iran but will raise Tehran’s actions with Trump, who has alternated between military pressure and signals of openness to a potential diplomatic deal.