Trump meets with Netanyahu, warns Hamas and Iran amid Gaza ceasefire talks
President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where the two leaders praised one another and discussed the next phase of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza
(NBC)- President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where the two leaders praised one another and discussed the next phase of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza — though no formal breakthrough was announced.
The meeting came as the United States continues efforts to advance a second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. While no deal was finalized, President Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas, insisting the group must disarm.
“As quickly as we can,” Trump said when asked about moving forward with the next phase of negotiations.
“But if they don’t disarm as they agreed to do, there’ll be hell to pay for them.”
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire has been in effect since October, though fighting has continued in Gaza. Israeli military operations have reportedly killed hundreds of Palestinians since the truce began.
Despite the lack of concrete progress, both leaders emphasized their strong relationship. The meeting included the announcement that President Trump will receive an Israeli honor, further highlighting the close political ties between the two.
Details of the closed-door discussions remained limited, though Trump acknowledged disagreements over the future of the West Bank.
“We’ve had a big discussion on the West Bank,” Trump said. “I wouldn’t say we agree 100 percent, but we’ll come to a conclusion.”
Netanyahu, who is preparing for a reelection campaign in 2026, praised Trump’s leadership.
“I’ll say it again and again — we’ve never had a friend like President Trump in the White House,” Netanyahu said.
Trump returned the praise, calling Netanyahu a “wartime prime minister” who has done a “phenomenal job.”
The former president also warned Iran against escalating its nuclear or missile programs, saying the U.S. would respond forcefully if Tehran attempted to rebuild its capabilities.
“We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them,” Trump said. “But hopefully that’s not happening. I hear Iran wants to make a deal.”
Trump added that U.S. strikes earlier this year had already severely damaged Iranian nuclear facilities.
