JNS
Deciphering the multi-layered Trump-Netanyahu meeting at Mar-a-Lago
Alex Traiman
December 30, 2025

In a pre-New Year’s meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump demonstrated that when it comes to U.S.-Israel relations, there is little daylight and total admiration between the two allies. This factor holds particularly true regarding the nations’ policies toward Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas. Key differences remain. And that is not only normal but obvious, due to the extremely divergent strategic positions of the world’s strongest superpower situated between two oceans, and a Jewish state roughly the size of New Jersey in a neighborhood surrounded by Islamic radicals. The meeting could not have come at a more important juncture for Israel. Phase 1 of a three-month-old ceasefire brokered by Washington—and based on key provisions proffered by Jerusalem—has proven itself to be a stunning initial success. That Phase 2 will prove to be as successful is less likely. READ MORE