The meeting, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, comes amid heightened international scrutiny and pressure on Netanyahu over Israeli military action in Gaza.
Trump, who has urged Israel to end the conflict quickly, emphasized his continued support for Israel and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her “radical” and unfriendly to Israel. He also insisted that he would be a firmer ally for Israel than Harris.
Netanyahu also expressed cautious optimism about progress toward a ceasefire deal for Gaza, as he nears the end of a controversial US visit that has revealed growing American divisions over the Israel-Hamas war.
During his presidency, Trump supported Netanyahu by moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He recently told Fox News that Israel must end the war and expedite the return of hostages, criticizing Israel’s public relations efforts.
Warm greetings and political jabs
The former president and Republican candidate welcomed Netanyahu warmly at his Mar-a-Lago home, describing Harris as unfriendly to Israel.
Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, appeared to signal a change in the Israel-Gaza war after a meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, where he vowed to “not be silent” about the suffering of Palestinians. In response, Trump labeled the comments “disrespectful” and addressed his stance on an issue that has caused divisions in the Democratic party.
“He’s not very good about Israel,” Trump said. “I really don’t know how the Jews could vote for him, but it’s up to him.”
However, Netanyahu is under increasing international pressure over Israel’s military action, and his journey to shore up support faces significant challenges.
In a Fox News interview on Thursday, Trump criticized the long-running conflict in Gaza, saying, “It can’t go on like this. It’s going on too long. Too much.” Harris and President Joe Biden, who also met with Netanyahu on Thursday, reiterated calls for a ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Progress towards a ceasefire
Meeting face-to-face for the first time in nearly four years, Netanyahu and Trump discussed US mediation efforts for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. “I hope so,” Netanyahu said when asked if the US trip had progressed.
At home, Netanyahu faces accusations that he has repeatedly rejected a deal to end the 9-month war to avoid the possible collapse of his far-right government. “I always want to have it. And we are working on it,” he added.
Netanyahu’s position and international reaction
Netanyahu, without directly criticizing Harris, said a cease-fire would only be possible if Hamas recognized the unity between Israel and the United States, hoping that Harris’ comments would not distort that perception.
Trump, expressing his longtime support for Israel, asked how American Jews could vote for Harris, saying, “I really don’t know how Jews could vote for him, but it’s up to him.”
Trump also warned of the rising threat of a third world war, stressing his belief that only he can prevent it. “You are closer to a third world war now than at any time since World War II,” he said.
Restore political alliances
Trump, who as president strongly supported Netanyahu’s policies, saw their relationship sour after Netanyahu quickly congratulated Joe Biden on his 2020 presidential victory over Trump. However, the two leaders are now trying to revive their lives alliance for the political support and conservative luster it brings.
A beaming Trump greeted Netanyahu on the stone steps of his Palm Beach estate, warmly holding the Israeli leader’s hand. “We’ve always had a good relationship,” Trump told reporters. Asked if Netanyahu’s visit mended the bond, Trump replied, “It’s never been a bad thing.”
Reconciliation and strong leadership are on display
For both leaders, Friday’s meeting is an opportunity to present themselves as strong leaders capable of significant achievements on the world stage. Netanyahu’s trip to Florida followed a fiery speech to Congress, defending his administration’s actions in the war and condemning American protesters who reacted to the conflict’s toll on Palestinian lives.
Despite the past alignment, Trump was reportedly angered by Netanyahu’s congratulations to Biden after the 2020 election, which Trump claimed was stolen. Recently, Trump has toned down his criticism of Netanyahu, especially after the October 7 attack on Israel.
US officials have indicated that negotiations with Hamas are close to a deal, with Netanyahu hinting at a possible resolution. However, significant differences remain, especially regarding the timing and conditions for ending the war. Israel’s defense agencies are concerned that Netanyahu’s new demands, including strict security checks, could jeopardize the ceasefire negotiations.
Meeting with US leaders
In Washington, Netanyahu met with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who pressed him to complete a ceasefire and release hostages held by Hamas. Trump’s campaign said he pledged to “make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East” and fight antisemitism on campuses if elected president.
A symbolic gesture
Netanyahu gave Trump a framed photograph of a child held hostage by Hamas since the start of the war. “We’ll take care of it,” Trump assured him.
The meeting allowed Trump to boost his image as a statesman and ally of Israel, underscoring the Republican Party’s loyalty to the country amid American divisions over its support for the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Strategic implications for Netanyahu
For Netanyahu, repairing relations with Trump is critical because of the possibility of Trump’s return to the presidency, which is important for Israel’s arms supply and protection. Netanyahu may seek better terms in the Gaza ceasefire and normalization deal with Saudi Arabia in anticipation of a Biden administration, hoping for a Trump victory.
“Benjamin Netanyahu has spent much of his career in the last two decades connecting himself to the Republican Party,” said Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat for Arab-Israeli negotiations. For the next six months, that means “repairing our relationship with a president who is angry and angry,” he said, referring to Trump.
A historic diplomatic achievement
Netanyahu and Trump last met at the 2020 White House signing ceremony for a significant diplomatic achievement: the normalization deal between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. The historic agreement marks a major step in easing regional tensions and expanding economic ties with its Arab neighbors.
Looking forward
In public statements after the fallout, Trump criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and other issues. However, in a speech to Congress and again at Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu praised Trump for historic regional agreements and long-looked actions by Israel, such as the US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and the declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
“I appreciate it,” Trump told “Fox & Friends” on Friday, referring to Netanyahu’s praise. Trump has urged Israel to “finish the job” in Gaza and destroy Hamas, although he has not detailed how this should be achieved.
