President Trump is expected to meet Monday afternoon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the two leaders work to advance the second phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan between Israel and Hamas.
Trump will host Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where they are expected to discuss next steps following what administration officials describe as meaningful progress under the first phase of the agreement.
A ceasefire implemented in October has largely held, despite accusations of violations and intermittent deadly military attacks by both Hamas and Israel. Hamas has returned the remains of all but one deceased Israeli hostage — a key requirement of the deal’s first phase.
The second phase of the agreement, widely viewed as more complex and consequential, would require Hamas to surrender its weapons and formally renounce control of the Gaza Strip, while Israel continues a measured withdrawal from the area.
U.S. officials say Trump hopes to announce the transition to this next phase later this month. Still, questions remain about how participating countries will fulfill their commitments to rehabilitate Gaza, obligations laid out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted last month.
Earlier this month, Trump said he would announce in early January the makeup of the “Board of Peace,” a governing body expected to oversee a future Palestinian technocratic administration responsible for delivering essential services in Gaza, including infrastructure, water, education, and health care.
Trump said he will serve as chair of the board, adding that its members will include “heads of the most important countries.”
An International Stabilization Force is also expected to deploy alongside a Palestinian police force to help maintain security and public order during the transition.
