President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu met on December 29 for the sixth time within a year. In Trump’s remarks to the media prior to the meeting, his desire to compliment Netanyahu stood out. He emphasized his closeness to Israel, and praised his leadership in the face of the multi-front threat, while mentioning the issue of a pardon.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, Trump expressed a desire to move quickly to Phase B and linked this to the disarmament of Hamas, issuing a general threat that if Hamas does not comply, “bad things will happen,” without providing operational details. Trump noted that 59 countries have expressed willingness to join an international stabilization force in the Strip, but did not clarify which countries these are, what the composition of the force would be, or its mandate. In addition, it is unclear whether the return of the body of fallen soldier Ran Gvili constitutes a condition for continuing the plan. Reports indicate that Trump’s team is pressing to move forward to Phase B, out of concern that delaying it would lead to deterioration.
On Iran, Trump warned that continued rebuilding of its missile and nuclear capabilities could lead to further strikes but reiterated his interest in advancing a deal. It appears that an additional strike is not a priority and, at this stage, does not constitute a green light for an Israeli attack.
Regarding Turkey, Trump praised President Erdoğan and emphasized that the United States views Turkey as a country critical to stability and the promotion of regional architecture, particularly in light of the steps it has already taken in Syria. Trump spoke positively about Turkish involvement in stabilizing the Strip, but it is unclear whether he would impose this on Israel. In addition, Trump stated that he is considering selling F-35 aircraft to Turkey, while stressing that they would not be used against Israel
On the issue of the West Bank, Trump acknowledged the existence of gaps between Israel and the United States on the matter and expressed confidence that Netanyahu would do the right thing. According to reports, the administration is pressing for restraint of violence, which it perceives as harming the expansion of the Abraham Accords, undermining the ceasefire in Gaza, and weakening Israel’s relations with Europe and countries in the region.
As for Syria and Lebanon, Trump expressed hope for progress toward an arrangement between Israel and Syria. In Lebanon, the president condemned Hezbollah’s activities and noted that the Lebanese government lacks real leverage over the organization but didn’t hint at Israeli action.
In conclusion, contrary to earlier assessments, Trump’s remarks conveyed a desire to downplay disagreements and present coordination. However, it’s doubtful whether the administration’s goals—regional stabilization and expansion of the Abraham Accords—can be advanced without tangible progress in the Gaza arena, and significant questions regarding the manner of implementing the administration’s objectives remain open.
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu met on December 29 for the sixth time within a year. In Trump’s remarks to the media prior to the meeting, his desire to compliment Netanyahu stood out. He emphasized his closeness to Israel, and praised his leadership in the face of the multi-front threat, while mentioning the issue of a pardon.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, Trump expressed a desire to move quickly to Phase B and linked this to the disarmament of Hamas, issuing a general threat that if Hamas does not comply, “bad things will happen,” without providing operational details. Trump noted that 59 countries have expressed willingness to join an international stabilization force in the Strip, but did not clarify which countries these are, what the composition of the force would be, or its mandate. In addition, it is unclear whether the return of the body of fallen soldier Ran Gvili constitutes a condition for continuing the plan. Reports indicate that Trump’s team is pressing to move forward to Phase B, out of concern that delaying it would lead to deterioration.
On Iran, Trump warned that continued rebuilding of its missile and nuclear capabilities could lead to further strikes but reiterated his interest in advancing a deal. It appears that an additional strike is not a priority and, at this stage, does not constitute a green light for an Israeli attack.
Regarding Turkey, Trump praised President Erdoğan and emphasized that the United States views Turkey as a country critical to stability and the promotion of regional architecture, particularly in light of the steps it has already taken in Syria. Trump spoke positively about Turkish involvement in stabilizing the Strip, but it is unclear whether he would impose this on Israel. In addition, Trump stated that he is considering selling F-35 aircraft to Turkey, while stressing that they would not be used against Israel
On the issue of the West Bank, Trump acknowledged the existence of gaps between Israel and the United States on the matter and expressed confidence that Netanyahu would do the right thing. According to reports, the administration is pressing for restraint of violence, which it perceives as harming the expansion of the Abraham Accords, undermining the ceasefire in Gaza, and weakening Israel’s relations with Europe and countries in the region.
As for Syria and Lebanon, Trump expressed hope for progress toward an arrangement between Israel and Syria. In Lebanon, the president condemned Hezbollah’s activities and noted that the Lebanese government lacks real leverage over the organization but didn’t hint at Israeli action.
In conclusion, contrary to earlier assessments, Trump’s remarks conveyed a desire to downplay disagreements and present coordination. However, it’s doubtful whether the administration’s goals—regional stabilization and expansion of the Abraham Accords—can be advanced without tangible progress in the Gaza arena, and significant questions regarding the manner of implementing the administration’s objectives remain open.