Overview
- In interviews with Fox News and Newsmax, Benjamin Netanyahu said a new administration in Gaza is possible only after Hamas is disarmed and urged giving the group a chance to disarm voluntarily before other measures are used.
- Axios reported that Netanyahu agreed during his meeting with President Trump to move forward to the second stage of the Gaza deal, with a formal U.S. announcement expected next month.
- According to Axios, Trump promised Netanyahu that Israel could restart operations against Hamas if the group fails to honor the agreement and begin disarming.
- Axios also reported that Trump and Netanyahu discussed potential strikes on Iran in 2026, but they reached no decisions on timing or triggers, with sources indicating U.S. support would hinge on signs Tehran is reviving its nuclear program.
- Netanyahu additionally said the West Bank settler issue is overstated and that Israel must retain military control there, asserted Christians face persecution across the region except in Israel, and signaled interest in changing ties with Syria.