Four reasons why Benjamin Netanyahu may not want a Gaza ceasefire to hold

Following a trip to the U.S. in late December 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have strengthened his position with President Trump regarding the Gaza ceasefire. Despite reports of U.S. frustration over Netanyahu's perceived slow implementation of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, Trump praised Netanyahu and stated Israel had fully adhered to the plan. The agreement stipulates a transition to a second phase involving negotiations for a governing "board of peace" and an international security force after a full exchange of captives and aid delivery. However, Netanyahu is reportedly delaying the transition by restricting aid and insisting on the return of the final captive's body, as well as demanding Hamas disarm before Israel withdraws, a condition Hamas rejects.

In Florida on December 30, 2025, Donald Trump met with Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the Gaza ceasefire. Trump stated that Israel had fully complied with the agreement, despite reports of violations. He urged Netanyahu to proceed to the second phase of the deal. Trump also issued a threat to Hamas, warning of severe consequences if the group fails to disarm. The meeting focused on ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire and the disarmament of Hamas to prevent further conflict.

President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu met in Florida on Monday, December 29, 2025, to discuss the Gaza peace plan. Despite underlying disagreements regarding Gaza, Syria, and other issues, the two leaders presented a united front and publicly praised each other. The meeting, held at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, offered few details on how to resolve outstanding issues or advance the next phase of the Gaza plan. Trump committed U.S. support for Israeli strikes on Iran if its ballistic missile and nuclear weapon program continues. Trump touted the Gaza cease-fire as a major achievement, while Netanyahu gained valuable footage for his re-election campaign.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, US President Donald Trump expressed his desire for a swift transition to phase two of the Gaza peace plan, which began in October. This phase involves Hamas disarming, the establishment of a technocratic government, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, followed by Gaza's reconstruction. Trump warned Hamas of severe consequences if they fail to disarm as agreed. He stated Israel has fully adhered to the plan, despite ongoing attacks by its military in Gaza, which they claim are responses to ceasefire violations. Trump also threatened potential military action against Iran if it resumes its nuclear or ballistic missile programs, prompting a warning of retaliation from Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Monday. This marks Netanyahu's fifth visit to the U.S. in the last 10 months, highlighting the close relationship between the two leaders. The meeting occurs as the U.S. pushes for the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire, despite ongoing Israeli military actions in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. Discussions are expected to address escalating regional tensions, including the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran, and the U.S.'s continued pursuit of its peace plan for the Palestinian territories. The meeting comes amid growing strategy gaps between the two countries.

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet in Florida on Sunday to discuss a potential peace plan for Ukraine, amid ongoing Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities. Zelenskyy arrived in Florida on Saturday night with a Ukrainian delegation to meet Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence. They are expected to discuss a revised 20-point peace plan, including the future of the Donbas region, though fundamental disagreements remain, such as security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia and stronger support for Ukraine, particularly following recent large-scale Russian air attacks on Kyiv. The meeting is considered a high-risk moment for Zelenskyy, as a diplomatic breakthrough is uncertain.

Ukrainian combat medic, Serhii Tyschenko, spent 472 consecutive days in a bunker on the front lines, highlighting a critical issue of excessively long rotations within Ukraine's military. Facing troop shortages and constant drone surveillance, soldiers are often unable to rotate out of dangerous positions. This extended deployment, as experienced by Tyschenko, can lead to severe psychological harm and decreased morale, potentially exacerbating personnel shortages through desertion or burnout. Military experts and even Tyschenko's brigade commander acknowledge the problem, emphasizing the need for scheduled rotations to prevent such extreme cases. While Tyschenko is now home near Kyiv, his experience underscores the challenges faced by Ukrainian soldiers and the urgent need for improved troop management.

Hours after Ukrainian President Zelensky called American-backed peace proposals "quite solid," Russia launched a barrage of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The attacks targeted Ukraine's energy sector and civilian buildings, resulting in at least three deaths and widespread power cuts. Zelensky highlighted ongoing tensions in peace talks, noting disagreements on territorial concessions and security guarantees, which a Kremlin official deemed "unconstructive." Ukraine seeks security guarantees, including a large peacetime army, EU membership, and military support from European partners and the United States, to prevent future Russian aggression. The overnight attacks demonstrate Russia's continued willingness to fight despite ongoing negotiations.