Post by : Meena Ariff

US President Donald Trump is expected to hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 29, aiming to revive the stalled ceasefire in Gaza. The discussions will also cover Israel’s security worries related to Hezbollah in Lebanon and recent Iranian military moves.

In December, Netanyahu confirmed that Trump had invited him for talks focused on moving forward, as the US advocates for a transitional government and the deployment of an international security force in Gaza. Although Trump has hinted at the meeting, the White House has yet to provide official confirmation.

Netanyahu is likely to visit Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, where they will address the next steps of the Gaza ceasefire, along with concerns about Iran and Lebanon. While Washington has brokered ceasefires across several conflict zones, Israel remains cautious about its enemies rebuilding their military capabilities.

The ceasefire deal reached in October calls for Israel to pull back from Gaza and for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of the territory. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the urgent need to set up a Palestinian technocratic administration to govern Gaza before the arrival of the international security force, as outlined by a recent UN resolution.

Despite the ceasefire, hostilities continue, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the agreement. Hamas has refused to lay down arms and continues to strengthen its hold, while Israeli forces maintain positions in parts of Gaza. Israel has warned that military operations could resume if Hamas does not disarm peacefully.

In Lebanon, a US-supported ceasefire agreed in November 2024 aimed to disarm Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. Lebanon reports it is nearing completion of this disarmament, but Hezbollah has resisted calls to disarm, prompting Israel to conduct frequent strikes to prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament. Meanwhile, Iran has carried out missile drills amid the ongoing regional tensions.

Netanyahu said Israel does not want a confrontation with Iran but will raise concerns about Tehran’s activities during his meeting with Trump. Earlier this year, Trump ordered US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities but has since shown interest in possible talks with Tehran.

#Donald Trump