U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks on Monday focused on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been in effect since October 10. Despite the agreement remaining formally in place, deadly violence has not completely stopped, raising growing concerns about the durability of the truce. Both leaders acknowledged that the process faces significant challenges and that key commitments have yet to be fully met.
Trump warned that if Hamas does not proceed with the agreed disarmament, other Middle Eastern countries have already indicated they are prepared to intervene. “If they do not lay down their weapons now, these countries will destroy them,” the U.S. president said, stressing that the objective is not regional escalation but enforcement of the established terms. The disarmament of Hamas is a central pillar of the second phase of the U.S.-backed peace plan.
The transition to this second phase has been delayed due to incomplete implementation of the first stage. Among the unresolved issues is the return of the body of an Israeli hostage, which remains in the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities confirmed that all surviving hostages previously held by Hamas have been released, but the issue of the remaining body continues to fuel tensions.
Trump had planned to announce the formal launch of the second phase of the peace plan in December. This phase includes not only the disarmament of Hamas but also the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Following that step, a Palestinian transitional government would be tasked with administering the territory under the supervision of an international “peace council” responsible for ensuring stability and security. Prime Minister Netanyahu described his recent meeting with Trump in Florida as “very productive” and indicated that Israel intends to award the U.S. president the country’s highest civilian honor for his diplomatic efforts.
Trump, while noting that Netanyahu can be “very difficult,” dismissed any suggestion of tension between them. He stated that without firm political leadership after Hamas’ large-scale attack on October 7, 2023, Israel “might cease to exist,” and referred to the Israeli leader as a hero. Iran was also a key topic of discussion, with Trump highlighting what he described as the threat Tehran poses to the Middle East and the United States.
He said Washington would consider another military strike if Iran resumes its missile or nuclear weapons programs. Israeli sources claim Iran is rebuilding its military capabilities following the so-called Twelve-Day War with Israel in June. In response, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader warned that any aggression would be met with an “immediate and harsh” response, while Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian accused the United States, Europe, and Israel of seeking to “bring the country to its knees.”
By NewsXX1
