Netanyahu and Trump to Meet on December 29: Discussing Gaza Ceasefire Progress and Middle East Peace Opportunities

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump in the United States on December 29, according to a confirmation from the premier's office spokeswoman to AFP on Tuesday.

This upcoming visit marks Netanyahu's fifth meeting with Trump in the United States since the beginning of the year. The meeting follows the Prime Minister's recent statement suggesting that the second phase of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan would commence soon.

"The meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu will take place Monday, December 29," confirmed Shosh Bedrosian, spokeswoman for the prime minister's office, though she did not provide specific details regarding the location or duration of the visit.

According to Israel's Channel 12, Netanyahu and Trump are expected to hold two meetings during the Israeli prime minister's eight-day stay in the United States. The report indicated that Netanyahu would visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

On Sunday, Netanyahu announced that he would meet with Trump later in December to discuss "opportunities for peace" in the Middle East. His office stated that he received an invitation to the White House during a phone conversation with the president.

Netanyahu also expressed his expectation that the second phase of the Gaza truce plan would begin in the near future. "We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult," he stated.

The first phase of the truce, which has been in effect since October 10, halted the conflict that erupted following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This phase has also resulted in militants releasing 47 out of 48 hostages held in Gaza, including the last 20 living captives.

The second stage of the plan involves disarming Hamas, further withdrawal of Israeli forces as a transitional authority is established, and deployment of an international stabilization force.

The United States remains Israel's primary military and diplomatic ally, though points of tension have emerged between the two nations, particularly regarding the annexation of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Several members of Netanyahu's government have advocated for annexing the territory, but both President Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have expressed firm opposition to such a move.