US President Donald Trump will receive Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on 29 December, an Israeli government spokesperson confirmed on Monday.
The announcement offered no additional information about the planned discussions, which the two leaders had preliminarily mentioned the previous week.
Focus on ‘difficult’ Gaza ceasefire phase two
The meeting follows Netanyahu’s Sunday statement that he anticipates covering the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire with Trump, along with potential avenues for regional peace.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters in an online briefing: “The prime minister will meet with President Trump on Monday, December 29; they will discuss the future steps and phases and the international stabilisation force of the ceasefire plan.”
Netanyahu described phase two as “more difficult” and said it will centre on dismantling Hamas rule in Gaza, ensuring the group meets its ceasefire obligations, including the enclave’s demilitarisation.
Ceasefire holds amid violations
The US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza has largely endured since 10 October, despite over 590 Israeli violations. Israeli forces have killed at least 360 Palestinians in the enclave since it began, pushing the total death toll above 70,000.
Phase one primarily involved exchanging Israeli captives for Palestinians held by Israel, plus Israel’s pullback from certain Gaza areas.
Phase two addresses post-war governance; a highly contentious matter with few resolutions so far, limited to a broad US outline. Outstanding issues include leadership arrangements, Palestinian self-determination prospects, and the involvement of any international stabilisation force.
Broader regional pressures
The talks also occur as Trump presses Netanyahu to pursue a fresh security pact with Syria’s emerging government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Last week, Trump posted on social media urging Israel to engage in “strong and true dialogue” with Syria. This came after repeated Israeli incursions and airstrikes that have mostly stalled negotiations.
The United States has stood as Israel’s primary ally during the war, offering diplomatic backing and billions in military assistance.
Source: Al Jazeera
Also read: Gaza aid trapped at borders – food reaches only half the population
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