Florida, Dec 30 (.) President Donald Trump’s Monday meeting in Florida with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu generated warm words but little concrete progress on the US-brokered peace plan for Gaza. The two leaders failed to reach an agreement on moving to the plan’s second phase, a key hurdle that has slowed efforts toward a permanent ceasefire and the rebuilding of Gaza.
The meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort marked the first face-to-face talks between Trump and Netanyahu in nearly two months. Trump had last visited Israel in October, during the period when a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced alongside the release of hostages.
Following the meeting, Netanyahu praised Trump effusively, saying Israel has never had a stronger ally in the White House. Writing on X, Netanyahu said, “Israel has never had a friend in the White House like President Trump. His leadership, clarity, and unwavering support for Israel are exceptional.” He added that “true friendship is proven in moments of challenge,” crediting Trump with standing by Israel throughout the conflict.
Netanyahu echoed those sentiments as he arrived at Mar-a-Lago, calling Trump’s leadership “Israel’s great fortune” and adding that it was “the world’s great fortune” as well.
The leaders held a private lunch focused on the second phase of the Gaza peace plan and broader bilateral ties, as they sought ways to secure a lasting end to Israel’s war with Hamas and promote wider regional stability. Trump told reporters at the start of the meeting that he intended to discuss “five major subjects,” later suggesting that progress had been made on three of them within minutes. In addition to Gaza, he said the talks would include the occupied West Bank and potential threats from Iran.
Despite those expectations, no new agreements or milestones were announced after more than an hour of talks. Instead, both leaders emphasized their close relationship, with Netanyahu announcing plans to award Trump Israel’s highest civilian honor.
Netanyahu’s visit was the second major trip by a foreign leader to Mar-a-Lago in as many days, as Trump undertakes a flurry of end-of-year foreign policy engagements.
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