Trump Hosts Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Discusses Gaza, Iran and Israel Prize
On December 29, 2025, former US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for lunch at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. The meeting featured statements indicating broad agreement on the next steps regarding Gaza and potential actions against Iran.
Trump warned Hamas that it would face severe consequences if it fails to disarm, stating that unnamed countries would intervene to wipe out Hamas should disarmament fail. However, there have been no pledges from participating states to intervene beyond ongoing UN peacekeeping forces. Trump also expressed support for a new Israeli strike on Iran aimed at curbing its missile capabilities and suggested the US would act quickly if Iran resumed nuclear or missile build-up. He noted confusion between Iran's nuclear program and its missile activities.
During the meeting, Trump claimed that Israel’s President Isaac Herzog told him a pardon for Netanyahu was forthcoming. Herzog’s office denied any such conversation. Netanyahu has been the first sitting Israeli prime minister charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust since 2019.
Netanyahu announced that Trump would be the first non-Israeli recipient of the Israel Prize, awarded for contributions to the Jewish people. He cited achievements such as moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights, scrapping the JCPOA nuclear deal, and efforts related to hostage releases. Netanyahu also joked about adding B-2 stealth bombers to the award. It is noted that Trump's claim about hostage releases is inaccurate; 107 hostages were released in 2023 and 33 more in early 2025, with these releases occurring under the Biden administration.
