President Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar‑a‑Lago to press for progress on the Israel‑Hamas ceasefire that began in October. Trump described the talks as "very, very productive," said three issues had been resolved, and demanded Hamas disarm within a "very short period of time," warning of severe consequences if it did not. The first phase remains incomplete partly because the remains of one hostage in Gaza have not been returned; the hostage's family attended the meeting.
Trump, Netanyahu Meet at Mar‑a‑Lago to Push Israel‑Hamas Ceasefire Forward; Trump Demands Hamas Disarm
Next steps in Israel-Hamas ceasefire discussed
President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar‑a‑Lago to discuss advancing the Israel‑Hamas ceasefire that began in October. After private talks, Trump described the meeting as "very, very productive" and said several issues he raised had already been settled.
Key Unresolved Issue: Disarmament
One major unresolved element remains the disarmament of Hamas. Trump pressed that demand repeatedly and warned the group there would be severe consequences if it did not disarm within a "very short period of time." At a joint appearance, he said the outcome would be "horrible for them" if Hamas failed to follow through and added that other countries had offered to target Hamas, though he did not name them.
"They're going to be given a very short period of time to disarm. And we'll see how that works out. But if they don't disarm as they agreed to do... then there will be hell to pay for them."
Ceasefire Progress and Remaining Issues
The first phase of the ceasefire, implemented in October, has largely held despite mutual accusations of violations by Israel and Hamas. Progress toward a second phase has been slow. Trump said three issues he brought to the meeting had been resolved, though officials have suggested Israel may be cautious about moving too quickly on the next stage.
One reason the first phase is not fully complete is that the remains of one hostage in Gaza have not yet been returned. Members of that hostage's family attended the Mar‑a‑Lago meeting on Monday.
Participants and Mediation
Jared Kushner and real estate investor Steve Witkoff were present at the talks; both have been credited with helping broker the initial ceasefire agreement. Trump repeatedly praised Netanyahu during the joint remarks, calling him a "wartime president" who had guided Israel through a dangerous period.
This report is based on coverage by NewsNation and reporting contributions from partner The Hill.
