Handshakes and Hard Lines: Trump and Netanyahu Talk Gaza Ceasefire 2025 at Mar-a-Lago
U.S. President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu met at Mar-a-Lago on Dec 29, 2025. Trump demanded Hamas disarm for the Gaza ceasefire to proceed and signaled support for strikes on Iran.
They're shaking hands, but the gloves are definitely off. On December 29, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The high-stakes meeting aimed to break the deadlock over the Gaza ceasefire and address mounting concerns regarding Iran and Hezbollah.
Trump Netanyahu Gaza Ceasefire 2025: Demanding a Disarmed Hamas
President Trump didn't mince words before heading into the talks. He reiterated that Hamas must disarm before the ceasefire deal, originally signed in October 2025, can move into its second phase. While the first phase saw a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, progress has stalled due to frequent violations and Hamas's refusal to give up its arsenal. Netanyahu is also reportedly demanding the return of Ran Gvili's remains—the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza—before opening the critical Rafah crossing.
The conversation also took a sharp turn toward Tehran. Trump suggested he'd back another Israeli strike on Iran if the Islamic Republic continues to advance its ballistic missile and nuclear programs. This follows a precedent set in June, when Trump ordered U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, signaling a return to 'maximum pressure' diplomacy.
Regional Shuffles: Syria, Lebanon, and Peacekeepers
The geopolitical landscape in Syria and Lebanon remains volatile. While Trump supports the new Syrian government under Ahmed al-Sharaa, Israel is skeptical of the former al-Qaida member's intentions. In Lebanon, despite a November 2024 ceasefire, Hezbollah continues to resist disarmament, prompting near-daily Israeli strikes.
Trump also floated the idea of stationing Turkish peacekeepers in Gaza to maintain order. However, given the frosty relations between Ankara and Jerusalem, this proposal faces significant diplomatic hurdles. Domestically, Netanyahu is under immense pressure with an upcoming election in October, making any compromise on security a politically sensitive move.
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