Benjamin Netanyahu to Discuss Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon in Talks with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago
On 29 December 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Mar-a-Lago, Florida to meet with President Donald Trump for discussions centered around Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon.
The White House aims to advance the next phase of Trump's Gaza plan, which includes establishing a Palestinian technocratic government and implementing demilitarisation through an international stabilisation force comprised of foreign troops. Israel has indicated that three countries, including Indonesia, are prepared to deploy forces in Gaza. However, Netanyahu is expected to resist demilitarisation and reject Hamas disarmament efforts that do not involve the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz affirmed that Israel will maintain a presence inside Gaza and will continue to defend without planning a withdrawal. Despite a ceasefire that has been in place since 10 October, Israeli strikes have continued; according to the Gaza health ministry, over 400 people have been killed and approximately 1,000 injured.
Netanyahu also plans to advocate for increased strikes on Iran, emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear programme remains a critical issue despite Trump's ending of the 12-day war with Iran in June, potentially signaling a point of contention between the two leaders.
Lebanon forms another key part of the agenda, as Israel has continued bombing operations in southern Lebanon and Beirut. Netanyahu may provide intelligence during talks to justify expanding operations against Hezbollah.
