Trump–Netanyahu Meeting (Florida, December 2025)

The Trump–Netanyahu meeting was a series of high-level political talks held in December 2025 in the state of Florida between the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting established a diplomatic framework addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the next stages of the ceasefire, regional security issues and policies toward actors in the Middle East.

History and Location

Date of the Meeting

The meeting took place on 29 December 2025. The discussions occurred during Trump’s second term in office.

Location of the Meeting

The meeting was held at Mar-a-Lago in the state of Florida. It was conducted on Trump’s private property rather than in an official government building.

Delegations Present

United States Delegation

The U.S. delegation was led by President Donald Trump. Senior officials from the U.S. administration responsible for foreign policy and national security were also present during the meeting.

Israeli Delegation

The Israeli delegation was headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu was accompanied by senior Israeli officials responsible for security and foreign policy. Netanyahu’s engagements in Florida were not limited to the meeting with Trump but also included additional talks with senior U.S. officials.

Background of the Meeting

Gaza Conflict and Ceasefire Process

The meeting occurred at a critical stage of the ceasefire process established following ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip. The first phase of the ceasefire aimed to halt fighting, facilitate prisoner and detainee exchanges, and increase humanitarian aid. The transition to the second phase was marked by uncertainties regarding implementation and timelines between the parties.

U.S. Mediation Role

The U.S. administration assumed a mediating role regarding the ceasefire and subsequent arrangements in Gaza. The framework shaped by the Trump administration integrated Israel’s security requirements with the goal of regional stability.

Key Agenda Items of the Meeting

Second Phase of the Gaza Ceasefire

The central focus of the meeting was the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire. Under this phase, the following issues were discussed:

• Establishing a lasting environment free of conflict in Gaza,
• Addressing Israel’s security concerns,
• Reforms to Gaza’s governance structure

The parties assessed the feasibility of implementing the second phase under existing conditions on the ground.

Hamas’s Position and Disarmament

The armed capacity and presence of Hamas in Gaza were major agenda items. Trump explicitly stated that Hamas must be disarmed. This demand was presented as a fundamental condition for the ceasefire to progress.

Iran and Regional Security

The meeting also addressed Iran’s influence and security policies in the region. Iran’s relations with Hamas and other regional actors were discussed in the context of Israel’s security assessments. Trump made statements warning Iran against its regional activities.

Lebanon, Hezbollah and Syria Issues

The meeting further evaluated the situation along Lebanon’s border, Hezbollah’s activities and security risks originating from Syria. Israel’s security situation along its northern border was linked to the Gaza process.

Türkiye–Israel Relations and Statements on the F-35 Program

Following the meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump made statements regarding Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Türkiye–Israel relations. In response to a question about the possibility of conflict between Türkiye and Israel, Trump stated that he knew President Erdoğan well, maintained personal relations with him and described their relationship as based on mutual respect. Trump noted that Netanyahu also held respect for President Erdoğan and asserted that no problems would arise between the two countries within this framework.

Trump also addressed the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye. He stated that the process was being seriously evaluated and confirmed that these aircraft would not be used against Israel. These remarks were part of broader statements indicating that Türkiye’s status within the F-35 program was being reconsidered.

Trump further commented on President Erdoğan’s role in the political transition process in Syria. He stated that President Erdoğan had made significant contributions to the end of the long-standing regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Trump noted that Erdoğan had not sought public praise for these contributions but emphasized that they were noteworthy. Trump also confirmed that Netanyahu agreed with this assessment.

Trump’s Post-Meeting Statements

Following the meeting, Trump stated that:

• The parties must adhere to their commitments for the ceasefire process to continue,
• Delays in Hamas’s disarmament could lead to serious consequences,
• Iran’s regional activities were being closely monitored

These statements constituted official U.S. positions on the ongoing process.

Netanyahu’s Statements and Position

During the meeting, Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed Israel’s security priorities to Trump. He emphasized that for the ceasefire to be acceptable to Israel, Hamas’s military capacity must be eliminated. The Israeli side stated that any arrangements in Gaza must not threaten Israel’s security.

International and Regional Repercussions

Arab Countries and Regional Actors

The issues discussed in the meeting were closely monitored by Arab countries and other regional actors. Potential arrangements regarding Gaza’s future held significance for regional balances.

International Media Assessments

International media outlets characterized the meeting as a decisive diplomatic event for the future of the Gaza ceasefire. The content of the meeting received extensive coverage in the context of the ceasefire’s sustainability and the direction of U.S.–Israel relations.

Diplomatic Nature of the Meeting

The Trump–Netanyahu meeting took place as a direct dialogue between leaders, distinct from formal state visit protocols.