Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Monday, marking the fifth such meeting between the two leaders this year. The visit, confirmed by an Israeli official, is viewed as crucial for advancing to the next phase of the fragile truce in the Gaza Strip.
The meeting comes as the Trump administration and regional mediators seek to transition to the second stage of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. President Trump hinted at the possibility of Netanyahu’s visit earlier this month, stating that the Prime Minister expressed a desire to meet during the Christmas holiday.
“Yes, he’ll probably be visiting me in Florida. He wants to see me. We haven’t set it up formally, but he wants to see me,” Trump said at the time.
Regional issues are expected to dominate the discussion between the two leaders. According to reports, the agenda includes Iran, discussions regarding a potential security agreement between Israel and Syria, the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the subsequent phases of the Gaza agreement.
Gershon Baskin, Co-Chairman of the Peace Building Committee at the Two-State Alliance, emphasizes the importance of the meeting’s timing in relation to Gaza. “The first phase is practically over,” Baskin stated, adding that Hamas faces challenges in locating the remaining Israeli hostage.
“The second phase must begin, there is already a delay, and I think the Americans realize that it is late because Hamas has had a great opportunity to re-establish its presence, and this is certainly not a situation the Americans want to continue,” he continued.
The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is considered pivotal for progressing with the second stage of the agreement. Officials suggest that the discussions will focus on solidifying the ceasefire and initiating reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
This meeting underscores the continued strategic alliance between the United States and Israel and highlights the ongoing efforts to achieve stability in the region.
