The planned meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu underscores how the Gaza ceasefire, agreed in October, has shifted from active combat to contested implementation. The first phase reduced large-scale fighting, but the second phase demands political and security steps neither Israel nor Hamas has accepted.

Netanyahu is expected to travel to Mar-a-Lago, with discussions covering Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Although Trump has publicly signaled readiness to meet, the White House has not confirmed details. Netanyahu said on December 22 that the agenda would include the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, as well as Iran and Lebanon, where separate ceasefires have also come under strain.

“Second Phase” Trade-Offs

All parties endorsed Trump’s plan in October, which calls for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas relinquishing its weapons, and the group forgoing any governing role. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants a transitional administration to be established soon, comprising a Board of Peace and a body of Palestinian technocrats. This governance layer is meant to precede the deployment of an international security force mandated by a November 17 United Nations Security Council resolution.

Implementation has stalled. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of major breaches, and neither side has moved toward the more difficult requirements of disarmament and territorial withdrawal. Israeli forces remain entrenched in roughly half of Gaza, even as Hamas works to reassert control in other areas.

Lebanon and Iran Spillover

The Gaza talks intersect with parallel ceasefire stress in Lebanon. A U.S.-backed truce agreed in November 2024 ended more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, requiring the group’s disarmament south of the river bordering Israel. Lebanese authorities say they are close to completing that task by the year-end deadline, but Hezbollah has resisted. Israel says progress has been partial and slow and has carried out near-daily strikes to prevent rebuilding.

Iran remains the third pillar of concern. Iran fought a 12-day war with Israel in June and conducted missile exercises twice this month, according to Iranian statements. Trump ordered U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June but has since broached a potential deal with Tehran. Netanyahu said Israel is not seeking confrontation but would raise Iran’s activities during the talks.

Ongoing Violence Metrics

While the Gaza ceasefire reduced intensity, violence has not ended. Since October, Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 Palestinians, most civilians according to Gaza health officials. Israeli leaders have said that if Hamas is not disarmed peacefully, military action would resume. The meeting thus centers on whether political mechanisms can replace force across three interconnected fronts.