Trump is hosting Netanyahu for some high-stakes drama in Florida. President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the Gaza ceasefire, regional threats, and a bunch of other messy problems. This is their sixth sit-down since Trump got back to the Oval Office. The talks come as brutal storms in Gaza make life even worse for displaced families, with reports of a baby dying from the cold. The U.S. wants the ceasefire deal to move to its next phase in January, which would involve a new Palestinian government, an international security force, Hamas disarmament, and Israeli troops pulling out.
Netanyahu’s government seems to have other ideas. Israeli officials have recently talked about building settlements in Gaza and never fully withdrawing, which directly contradicts the ceasefire terms. They also keep rejecting Palestinian statehood. The Israeli military still operates in Gaza, with hundreds of Palestinian deaths reported since the truce started. Hamas still holds the body of one dead Israeli hostage. Netanyahu might try to get U.S. approval for more strikes on Iran, which claims it's rearming. He could also push to discuss annexing the West Bank, something Trump has opposed before. The Israeli leader will also see Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who tends to back Israel's positions. The whole meeting is a test of how much pressure Trump will apply to break the current deadlock.
Netanyahu’s government seems to have other ideas. Israeli officials have recently talked about building settlements in Gaza and never fully withdrawing, which directly contradicts the ceasefire terms. They also keep rejecting Palestinian statehood. The Israeli military still operates in Gaza, with hundreds of Palestinian deaths reported since the truce started. Hamas still holds the body of one dead Israeli hostage. Netanyahu might try to get U.S. approval for more strikes on Iran, which claims it's rearming. He could also push to discuss annexing the West Bank, something Trump has opposed before. The Israeli leader will also see Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who tends to back Israel's positions. The whole meeting is a test of how much pressure Trump will apply to break the current deadlock.
