Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on December 29, as diplomatic efforts intensify to advance the second stage of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The visit comes at a critical moment, with regional mediators and the Trump administration pressing both sides to move beyond the initial truce and toward a more durable arrangement.
According to officials familiar with the plans, Netanyahu’s talks with Trump are expected to focus on the security situation in Gaza, the status of hostages, and the conditions required to extend the ceasefire into its next phase. The second stage is widely seen as more complex, involving discussions on governance arrangements in Gaza, long-term security guarantees for Israel, and expanded humanitarian access for Palestinians.
The Trump administration has positioned itself as a key driver of the current diplomatic push, working closely with Egypt, Qatar, and other regional actors to keep negotiations on track. U.S. officials believe Netanyahu’s visit could help clarify Israel’s red lines and unlock movement on contentious issues that have stalled progress in recent weeks.
Netanyahu, facing intense domestic pressure at home over the conduct of the war and the fate of Israeli hostages, is expected to use the meeting to underline Israel’s security concerns and seek continued U.S. backing. His government has insisted that any extension of the ceasefire must prevent Hamas from regrouping militarily and ensure that Israel retains freedom of action against future threats.
The timing of the visit is also politically significant. Trump has sought to project an image of decisive leadership on global conflicts, and his administration views progress in Gaza as a potential diplomatic win. Analysts say the meeting could shape Washington’s approach in the coming months, especially if talks move toward a broader political framework.
While expectations for a breakthrough remain cautious, diplomats say the Netanyahu–Trump meeting could prove pivotal in determining whether the fragile ceasefire evolves into a more sustained pause in fighting or collapses under unresolved disputes. With the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorating and regional tensions still high, the outcome of the talks will be closely watched across the Middle East and beyond.