U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort for discussions focused on advancing the second phase of the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire, Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs, and regional security issues.
The meeting comes as the ceasefire, implemented in October, faces challenges in transitioning to its more complex second stage, which includes Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, Gaza governance by a technocratic body, and international oversight for reconstruction.
Ahead of the talks, Trump reiterated demands for Hamas to disarm and expressed openness to supporting potential Israeli strikes on Iran if it continues advancing its missile capabilities. Netanyahu met earlier with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on security and antisemitism concerns, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on military cooperation.
Trump praised Netanyahu as a “hero” and wartime leader, while Netanyahu described Trump as Israel’s greatest ally in the White House. Trump also voiced support for a pardon in Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial back in Israel, stating it was “on its way” from President Isaac Herzog.
Supporters hailed the meeting as a display of strong U.S.-Israel unity amid Middle East tensions. Critics viewed it as two leaders facing domestic legal scrutiny reinforcing mutual backing, potentially at the expense of accountability.
No major announcements emerged immediately, but both sides expressed optimism for progress on Gaza peace efforts.
