Palm Beach, Florida – December 29, 2025 (Clarion Newschannel)
– U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday, where the two leaders discussed advancing the next phase of the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan. In stark warnings following the meeting, Trump threatened severe consequences for Hamas if it fails to disarm and indicated U.S. support for potential strikes on Iran amid concerns over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
The high-profile bilateral talks, marking Netanyahu’s fifth visit to meet Trump in the U.S. this year, focused on pushing forward the fragile ceasefire agreement reached in October, which ended two years of intense conflict in Gaza. Trump emphasized the need for rapid progress to the second phase, which involves demilitarizing Gaza, deploying international peacekeeping forces, and rebuilding the enclave under international supervision.
“There has to be a disarming of Hamas,” Trump stated alongside Netanyahu during remarks to reporters. He warned that Hamas would face “hell to pay” if it does not comply within a “very short period of time,” adding that other countries supporting the plan could intervene to “wipe them out” if necessary. Trump praised Israel for fully adhering to the ceasefire terms, stating, “Israel has lived up to the plan, 100%.”
On Iran, Trump issued a direct threat, saying the U.S. would back “another rapid Israeli attack” or act to “knock them down” if Tehran resumes rebuilding its nuclear or ballistic missile capabilities. Reports suggest Iran may be attempting to restore programs weakened by earlier U.S.-supported strikes.
The leaders exchanged mutual praise, with Netanyahu announcing plans to award Trump Israel’s highest civilian honor, the Israel Prize, in a newly created Peace category – the first time it would go to a non-Israeli. Trump, in turn, called Netanyahu a “hero” and a “wartime prime minister” who has done a “phenomenal job.”
Prior to the meeting, Netanyahu held discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks come as the Gaza truce holds but faces challenges, including the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage and accusations of minor violations on both sides.
While no new milestones were announced, the meeting underscored the close alignment between Trump and Netanyahu on regional security, even as some U.S. officials have expressed private concerns over delays in the peace process.
Clarion Newschannel will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East ceasefire efforts
Trump Warns Iran and Hamas: “Hell to Pay” if No Disarmament, Potential Strikes Loom After Mar-a-Lago Meeting with Netanyahu
