Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Trump in Florida on Monday to discuss the next phase in the Hamas ceasefire agreement, the threat of Iran, and the goals of peace for the region. The Times of Israel reports that Trump has urged the planned disarmament of the terror group in Gaza, promised retaliation for any Iranian nuclear or missile activities, and hinted at further Israeli involvement with Lebanese efforts to disarm Hezbollah, which are still stalling. Ran Gvili’s family also visited with the U.S. President before the meeting to urge the return of his body from Gaza.

Hamas “will be given a very short period of time to disarm,” says Trump in response to a question about whether Israel will be expected to pull its troops back from Gaza before the terror groups disarm.

Top White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be in charge of that effort from the US side, says Trump. “If they don’t disarm, as they agreed to do, they agreed to it, then there will be hell to pay for them.”

He repeats his warning that if Iran is trying to rebuild its nuclear or ballistic missile program, “we’re going to have no choice but very quickly to eradicate that buildup.”

“We know exactly where they’re going, what they’re doing,” he says of Iran.

Trump said Israel has lived up to the plan. Efforts are still underway to locate Gvili’s body and move the process into phase two, which is expected to begin in 2026. Trump also noted that the Lebanese government was at a disadvantage with Hezbollah but didn’t mention whether Israel would continue taking action.

Other talking points included Syria and the optimistic outlook on the understanding with the new leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Israel’s interest here is to have a peaceful border with Syria and to provide safety for the Druze and Christians of the region.

Benjamin Netanyahu praised the meeting and Trump, saying that he has been an extraordinary friend and supporter of Israel. “We’re with you, and we’ll continue to be with you,” Trump had said. The Fellowship and our generous supporters will naturally continue to be with Israel and her people with whatever the new year may bring.