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.

If the visit happens, it would be Netanyahu’s fifth trip to the White House since Trump returned to office in January. The two leaders have presented a close relationship publicly, though officials in both countries have noted that Trump has at times shown frustration with Netanyahu.

According to the prime minister’s office, Netanyahu and Trump discussed disarming Hamas and demilitarising Gaza. In September, Trump introduced a plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, and a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in place since October.

TRUMP PUSHES ISRAEL-SYRIA DIALOGUE

Earlier, Trump stated that it was very important for Israel to maintain a “strong and true dialogue” with Syria, and that “nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous state.”

He added: “Syria and Israel will have a long and prosperous relationship together,” as his administration works to negotiate a non-aggression pact between the two countries.

Syria still does not formally recognise Israel, which has taken control of more Syrian territory since December 2024. Israel has also held the Golan Heights since 1967 and later annexed it—a move recognized by the U.S. but rejected by most other nations.

Trump has offered support for Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, while Israel has expressed concerns about his past associations with Islamist militancy and has urged Washington to keep Syria constrained.

Syrian state media reported that an Israeli strike in southern Syria on Friday killed 13 people. The Israeli military said it had targeted a Lebanese Islamist militant group operating in the area.

The call between Trump and Netanyahu also came a day after Netanyahu requested a pardon from Israel’s president in connection with his long-running corruption case. Trump has publicly supported granting Netanyahu a pardon and sent a letter last month urging President Isaac Herzog to consider it.

The prime minister’s office did not mention the pardon in its summary of the call. Israeli opposition figures have criticised Netanyahu’s request and called on him to resign instead.

In a major diplomatic development, the White House has confirmed that President Donald J. Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for high-level talks in Washington next Monday. The meeting is expected to focus on a potential ceasefire in Gaza, ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, and broader regional security in the Middle East.

This marks Netanyahu’s first official visit to Washington since the latest phase of the Gaza conflict escalated tensions in the region. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the Trump administration has maintained “constant communication” with Israeli leadership as the President continues to press for a ceasefire and long-term resolution.

“Bringing an end to the Gaza conflict is a top priority for President Trump,” Leavitt said during Thursday’s press briefing. “The President is fully engaged in these talks and determined to support efforts for peace while ensuring Israel’s security.”

The announcement follows the visit of Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, who held a series of closed-door meetings with senior U.S. administration officials earlier this week. Discussions reportedly included topics such as the terms of a Gaza ceasefire, strategies to deter Iranian aggression, and security guarantees for Israel in a post-conflict scenario.

Netanyahu’s visit underscores a renewed push by the Trump administration to mediate a deal that could bring an end to the months-long war. Sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts say the administration is leveraging back-channel communications with Egypt and Qatar two key mediators with Hamas to bridge final gaps in a ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal.

While both U.S. and Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism, significant hurdles remain, including disagreements over security arrangements in Gaza and the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawals. Additionally, domestic political pressure on Netanyahu from hardliners within his coalition has made concessions more difficult.

President Trump, who has touted himself as a broker of peace in the past referencing the Abraham Accords as a model seeks to reignite American leadership in the region through strategic diplomacy.

Foreign policy analysts say next week’s meeting could be pivotal.

“This is not just a bilateral visit; it’s part of a broader geopolitical reset,” said Dr. Miriam Goldstein, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. “The U.S. wants to reclaim its central role in Middle East diplomacy, and this meeting may help lay the groundwork for that.”

The White House has not yet released the full agenda for Monday’s meeting, but insiders expect it to include extended talks, a joint press briefing, and possibly the announcement of new humanitarian initiatives in Gaza.

As anticipation builds, global eyes will be on Washington next week for potential breakthroughs.