Netanyahu heads to Mar-a-Lago to press Trump on striking Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 29, amid rising tensions over Middle East policy. 

Netanyahu seeks to persuade Trump to take a firmer stance on Gaza and to approve possible joint Israeli-U.S. strikes against Iran’s ballistic missile program, The Washington Post reports.

Relations between the two leaders have been strained in recent months. Israeli airstrikes on Iran, following Trump’s declaration that a 12-day Israel-Iran conflict was over, prompted public warnings from the U.S. president.

Trump has since expressed frustration over actions by Israel that could undermine his regional initiatives, while continuing diplomatic efforts with Tehran, including talks aimed at limiting uranium enrichment.

The summit, the fifth meeting this year, comes as Netanyahu faces political pressure ahead of Israel’s 2026 elections. Officials say Netanyahu’s top priority is addressing Iran’s expanding missile capabilities and securing Trump’s backing for potential military measures. Trump, meanwhile, is cautious, balancing his image as a peacemaker with concerns about escalating conflict in the region.

Gaza remains another key issue. Netanyahu is reluctant to advance the next phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan until Hamas fully disarms, creating potential clashes with U.S. policy. Israeli officials warn that full demilitarisation could take years, complicating both leaders’ goals of stabilising the region and showcasing achievements before political deadlines.

By Aghakazim Guliyev