The meeting, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, marked the second day of key U.S. diplomatic engagements and underscored the close ties between Washington and Jerusalem. Officials said discussions were likely to have significant implications for the future of the region, given the scope and sensitivity of the topics under consideration.

Among the key issues on the agenda were the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Iran’s military posture and rearmament efforts, and the role of Hezbollah in Lebanon. The leaders were also expected to discuss the future of relations with Syria’s new government, a developing issue that could reshape regional alliances and security dynamics.

Trump and Netanyahu have maintained a close political relationship, with both leaders emphasizing a hardline approach toward Iran and militant groups aligned against Israel. Analysts say the Florida talks could influence U.S. policy decisions on military support, diplomatic engagement, and regional deterrence strategies.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened instability across the Middle East, with continued fighting in Gaza, rising tensions along Israel’s northern border, and growing concerns among Western and regional powers about Iran’s influence through proxy groups.

Neither side released detailed statements following the meeting, but officials indicated that further consultations were expected as Washington weighs its next steps in the region. Observers say outcomes from the talks could shape diplomatic and security developments across the Middle East in the months ahead.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have reportedly reached an understanding to end the ongoing conflict with Gaza within two weeks, following the U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities earlier this month. The deal is said to be part of a broader diplomatic realignment in the Middle East that includes an expansion of the Abraham Accords and the removal of Hamas from power in the Gaza Strip.

According to Israeli media outlet HaYom News, sources close to the Israeli security cabinet revealed that the U.S. and Israel are in advanced coordination on a ceasefire framework that would see four Arab states reportedly including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco  jointly govern Gaza under an interim authority.

“The military goal has been achieved. Now we move to political normalization and strategic stability,” a senior Israeli official was quoted as saying.

Plan Includes Hostage Release and Hamas Exile

The reported agreement includes several high-stakes components:

• Complete release of Israeli and foreign hostages currently held by Hamas and other Gaza-based factions.

• Exile of Hamas leadership to a third-party country, reportedly Qatar or Turkey, pending negotiations.

• Deployment of a joint Arab stabilization force, backed by the U.S., to administer humanitarian aid and maintain security during the transition.

• Formal normalization steps from two additional Arab states, as part of the Abraham Accords initiative.

Strategic Timing After Iran Strike

The reported breakthrough follows the U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites earlier this month a move widely seen as signaling Washington’s willingness to reassert dominance in the region and isolate Tehran’s influence.

Sources suggest that the strike on Iran acted as a tipping point, compelling Arab states to back a new political framework for Gaza in exchange for security guarantees and regional investment packages.

“The message was clear: this is the moment to reset the region,” said an unnamed U.S. diplomat cited in the report.

Hamas Denounces Reports as ‘Colonial Fantasy’

In a statement on Friday, a Hamas spokesperson dismissed the alleged deal as a “colonial fantasy orchestrated by foreign occupiers,” and vowed continued resistance.

“Gaza will never be ruled by American proxies or Arab dictatorships,” the statement read.

However, analysts suggest Hamas may be facing unprecedented pressure, both militarily and diplomatically, and could be forced into exile if regional consensus solidifies.

What Comes Next?

A formal announcement could be made as early as next week, according to Israeli media, if Arab capitals align behind the terms. Trump, who is campaigning for re-election, may position the deal as a historic foreign policy achievement — reviving his role as a peacemaker and Abraham Accords architect.

Meanwhile, Israel’s political opposition has demanded parliamentary oversight of the agreement, citing the risks of a rushed handover and the long-term implications of Arab-led governance in Gaza.

“This must go through the Knesset. We will not accept backroom deals with authoritarian regimes,” said MK Yair Lapid in a press briefing.

The statement comes just days after Israel launched five waves of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, igniting fears of a broader regional war. While Trump acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense, he warned that continued offensive action could undermine fragile progress made during the ongoing backchannel negotiations with Iran.

Trump: “I’m a Man of Peace, Let’s Finish the Deal”

Speaking during a press briefing at the White House, President Trump framed his position as a balancing act between supporting Israel, a longtime ally, and seeking a lasting diplomatic solution with Iran.

“Israel has legitimate security concerns. But right now, we’re closer than ever to a workable nuclear deal. I’ve told Prime Minister Netanyahu: don’t strike while peace is still possible,” Trump said.

He reiterated his belief that Iran could still avert a full-scale conflict if it agrees to deeper nuclear transparency and limits on uranium enrichment key sticking points in the current negotiations.

“I am, and always have been, a man of peace. We don’t need another war in the Middle East. We need solutions.”

Nuclear Deal Talks: 6th Round Set in Oman

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, is scheduled to lead a sixth round of indirect talks with Iranian negotiators this Sunday in Muscat, Oman a long-time neutral mediator in U.S.-Iran diplomacy.

Sources close to the negotiations say Oman has helped bridge significant gaps, especially around Iran’s compliance with IAEA inspections and its ballistic missile development program.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re getting close,” Witkoff said in a brief statement to reporters. “The stakes couldn’t be higher.”

U.S. Draws Red Lines: No Offensive Support for Israel’s Strikes

While reaffirming support for Israel’s security, President Trump also made it clear that the United States will not provide offensive military assistance for any unilateral Israeli strike on Iranian soil.

“We are not authorizing or assisting in offensive operations against Iran,” a senior U.S. defense official confirmed. “We remain focused on diplomacy but we’re monitoring the situation closely.”

American forces in the Persian Gulf and eastern Mediterranean remain on high alert, with the Pentagon emphasizing defensive posturing only.

Israel’s Response: Netanyahu Vows to “Act if Needed”

Despite Trump’s appeal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained defiant in a televised address late Thursday, stating:

“Israel will act, with or without permission, if our survival is threatened. We appreciate the friendship of the United States, but we must do what is necessary.”

However, sources inside Israel’s Defense Ministry suggest that military leaders are closely watching the diplomatic developments in Oman and may pause further strikes temporarily, depending on Iran’s next move.

Regional Stakes: War or Diplomatic Breakthrough?

The renewed focus on diplomacy comes amid intense global concern over the potential for full-scale war. A successful deal could stabilize much of the Middle East, bring sanctions relief to Iran, and prevent a dangerous nuclear arms race.

However, failure could spark a tit-for-tat escalation involving Israel, Iran, U.S. regional assets, and Iran’s proxy groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

The coming days particularly Sunday’s negotiations may prove pivotal in deciding whether the region steps back from the brink, or plunges into deeper conflict.

Speaking during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump praised the kingdom as a key ally, declaring, “The U.S. has no stronger partner than Saudi Arabia.” The statement underscored a renewed focus on strengthening U.S.-Saudi ties amid evolving regional alliances.

The decision to lift sanctions on Syria was welcomed by Syrian officials and sparked celebrations in parts of Damascus. The White House has not yet released full details of the timeline or conditions for the sanctions rollback.

Critics say the move could weaken U.S. leverage over the Assad regime, while supporters argue it could pave the way for regional stability and re-engagement with Syria after years of diplomatic isolation.

Trump’s trip includes additional stops in Israel and Egypt, with further meetings expected to address security cooperation, economic ties, and broader efforts to reshape U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Trump’s Middle East itinerary includes stops in Israel and Egypt, where discussions will focus on security cooperation, counter-extremism, and expanding trade ties. A trilateral summit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is expected later in the week.

While the decision to lift sanctions on Syria will dominate headlines, observers say the overall trip signals a recalibration of U.S. engagement in the region away from regime change policies and toward deal making and diplomacy.