Peloni: Recall that Israel has all the authority required to exercise its ability to deal with Hamas under the UN resolution on this subject, yet in this press conference it is clarified that others will be responsible for doing this. Hamas has stood in violation of that UNSR since it was adopted, and Israel has stayed its hand to allow the feckless Arabs to demonstrate their lack of resolve and their true intent to preserve Hamas in power rather than to depose them under any terms. Referring back to the interview with Amb. Ettinger posted earlier, and recalling that Netanyahu came to Florida to negotiate with Trump, the question arises as to what the negotiations were truly about. Interestingly, in the press conference below Trump is seen to finally add his voice of acknowledging and threatening Iran’s moves to rebuild its nuclear program. In that same press conference, Trump recalls that the Arabs agreed to deal with Hamas and seems to suggests/insist that they will do so as agreed. So, was this the deal struck at Mar a Lago, ie Trump’s support for Israel’s position on Iran for more time in dealing with Hamas? Well, in part, yes, I think it was.
FDD | Dec 29, 2025
Click Photo to See Trump-Netanyahu Press Conference
Latest Developments
- Trump Promises ‘Hell’ if Hamas Doesn’t Disarm: President Donald Trump warned Hamas would be given a “very short period of time to disarm” as he prepares to launch the second phase of his peace plan for Gaza. “If they don’t disarm as they agreed to do … then there’ll be hell to pay for them,” Trump declared in a joint appearance with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier, Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida vowed that the Iran-backed terrorist group would not disarm.
- Israel ‘Has Lived Up To’ Ceasefire Commitments: Trump also praised Israel for “having lived up to the plan” so far. “They’re strong, they’re solid,” he stated. Netanyahu also met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both “emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, in line with the vision of President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan,” according to a State Department readout. The pair also discussed “regional security, economic cooperation, and the fight against antisemitism.”
- ‘Knock the Hell Out of Them’: Trump and Netanyahu concurred that Israel and the United States may need to respond forcefully if Iran continues to rebuild its nuclear weapons program following the extensive Israeli and U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities in June. “Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again. And if they are, we have to knock them down,” Trump said. “We’ll knock the hell out of them, but hopefully that’s not happening. I heard Iran wants to make a deal.”
FDD Expert Response
“With the kinetic conflict with Gaza mostly over, Netanyahu must work with Trump to deliver diplomatic outcomes aligned with the interests of both Washington and Jerusalem. In light of Israel’s military victories across the region, the leaders will be looking to align on a policy that will deliver sustained calm in Gaza, continued pressure on the Lebanese state to disarm Hezbollah, and a united front against the Iranian threat.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network
“Trump’s affirmation of his support for Israeli actions against the Iranian nuclear program demonstrates the shared understanding between Israel and the United States on regional security threats. Continued alignment will be paramount as the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on security is set to expire by 2028, and discussions are needed for a new framework that ensures Israel’s ability to purchase or produce the weapons it requires to defend itself.” — Justin Leopold-Cohen, CMPP Senior Research Analyst
“Hamas is down but not out, and both Trump and Netanyahu know this. As Trump said, the ceasefire will only progress if the Iran-backed terrorists in Gaza fully disarm, something that looks increasingly unlikely.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor
FDD Background and Analysis
“Netanyahu-Trump meeting: What the PM is expected to ask for, what he shouldn’t concede,” by Jacob Nagel
“On US-Iran Policy, There Is No Path Out of the Desert,” by Behnam Ben Taleblu
“Beyond the U.S.-Israel MOU: The Case for a Strategic Partnership Agreement,” by Bradley Bowman
“Israel’s not going to manipulate THIS administration!” – JD Vance
“The Knesset voting to apply sovereignty is an insult!” – J.D. Vance
Re: third article referenced above: I love how these drastic proposals amounting to increased reliance on and trust in whatever administration happens to be in charge in the U.S. for the moment, with all the risk assumed by Israel, always seem to be slated to begin in Trump’s last year in office. Not. Or Bush, for that matter. The principle has been constant across different administrations. The policy changes after every election. Reminds me of how the official attitude towards Jews under Christendom, Islam, the Romans, the Persians, you name it, changed with each new ruler.
As we saw with Biden, and, I think, Obama, no agreement will stop a hostile administration from slow-walking or stopping supplies.( Or intelligence in the Nixon and Reagan administrations, Israel must become as independent as possible now before it is imposed from outside during a war again. And if Hamas remains in power in any part of Gaza, and the Iranian regime remains in place, the next war is ten years off, at most. In the words of Yogi Berra, “It’s deja vu, all over again.”
The immanent choice between Vance and whoever the Dems will annoint is likely to be a choice between the frying pan and the fire.
All of the aid will be spent in the U.S. And, Israel will start paying the U.S. to purchase more? 😀 And the purchases will be in line with American interests and decision-making.
This proposal sounds like a diplomatic version of three card monty. Mind you, I’m no technocratic expert, but then, do I have to be? This is double talk.