Netanyahu to meet Trump in US as fears grow over new Israeli regional offensives
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday amid mounting concerns that Israel could launch new military offensives in the region, potentially destabilising the Middle East further.
Netanyahu left Israel on Sunday for his fifth visit to the US this year. The talks are expected to focus on the fragile Gaza ceasefire, which halted a two-year war in October. While the first phase of the agreement has largely been implemented, including Israeli troop withdrawals and the release of hostages by Hamas, major obstacles remain to advancing the next stage.
Concerns are growing that Israel may resume military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon or against Iran, which Israel accuses of accelerating ballistic missile development. Analysts say the risk of escalation remains high as diplomatic efforts stall.
Gershon Baskin, co-head of the Alliance for Two States peace initiative, said the timing of the visit was critical. He noted that Hamas has largely reasserted control in parts of Gaza, while Israel has not withdrawn from significant areas or allowed unrestricted humanitarian access. “Phase two has to begin, but it is already late,” he said.
More than 70,000 Palestinians were killed during the Gaza war, with most of the population displaced. Since the ceasefire, about 400 additional deaths have been reported, while living conditions remain dire due to widespread destruction and shortages.
The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in 2023 that killed about 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage.
Under a US-backed proposal, Gaza would be governed by a non-aligned Palestinian authority, supported by an international stabilisation force. US officials have reportedly grown frustrated with Netanyahu’s handling of the ceasefire.
Netanyahu is also expected to press Trump on Iran, Lebanon, and Syria, while facing domestic political pressure ahead of elections expected within 10 months. Analysts say maintaining strong ties with Washington remains central to his political survival.