High-Level Talks in Florida Fail to Break Gaza Ceasefire Impasse
The much-anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on December 29, 2025, produced more diplomatic rhetoric than concrete breakthroughs on advancing the stalled Gaza peace plan. While both leaders described their discussions as 'productive,' significant obstacles remain to implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement that has been in place since October.
The Sticking Points: Hamas Disarmament and West Bank Disagreements
At the heart of the impasse is Hamas's refusal to disarm, which Trump identified as the primary barrier to moving forward. 'Hamas must lay down their weapons very quickly, or there will be hell to pay,' the president warned during a press conference following the meeting. He added that 59 countries supporting the peace deal are prepared to 'wipe out' the militant group if they fail to comply, though he didn't specify which nations.
Netanyahu echoed these concerns, stating that Israel cannot proceed with further troop withdrawals from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. The Israeli leader faces domestic pressure from right-wing coalition partners who oppose any concessions that might strengthen Palestinian claims to sovereignty.
Trump also revealed a disagreement over the occupied West Bank, though he provided few details. 'We're not exactly on the same page about the West Bank,' he acknowledged, highlighting ongoing tensions between U.S. and Israeli positions on settlement expansion and Palestinian self-governance in the territory.
Major Arms Deal Announced Amid Diplomatic Stalemate
While diplomatic progress remained elusive, the Pentagon announced a significant military commitment to Israel immediately following the meeting. Boeing secured an $8.6 billion contract to supply 25 new F-15IA fighter jets to the Israeli Air Force, with an option for 25 additional aircraft. The F-15IA represents the Israeli variant of Boeing's advanced F-15EX Eagle II platform, featuring upgraded radar systems, digital fly-by-wire controls, and enhanced communication capabilities with Israel's existing F-35 fleet.
The timing of this announcement underscores the enduring U.S.-Israel defense partnership, even as political disagreements persist. According to industry analysts, this contract follows a previous $5.2 billion order from November 2024, bringing Israel's total F-15IA fleet to 50 aircraft when combined with existing F-15 variants.
Iran Warning and Domestic Politics Loom Large
Beyond Gaza, the leaders discussed regional security threats, particularly from Iran. Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran, stating that the U.S. would support Israeli military action if Iran attempts to reconstitute its nuclear or ballistic missile programs. 'If they are, we're going to have to knock them down,' he declared, referencing previous U.S. strikes against Iranian facilities in June 2025.
Domestic Israeli politics also featured prominently in the discussions. Netanyahu faces ongoing corruption charges in Israel, and Trump renewed his call for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant the prime minister a pardon. This controversial suggestion reflects the personal dimension of the Trump-Netanyahu relationship, which has weathered numerous political storms since Trump's first term.
What's Next for the Gaza Peace Plan?
The comprehensive 20-point peace plan, which received UN Security Council backing in November 2025, envisions a multi-phase process leading to Palestinian self-governance in Gaza. Phase two requires Hamas disarmament, complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory, and establishment of an international stabilization force.
However, as Middle East analysts note, neither side appears ready to make the necessary concessions. Hamas officials have indicated willingness to discuss freezing weapons during the truce but reject international forces overseeing disarmament. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces pressure from his right flank to maintain security control over Gaza indefinitely.
The meeting concluded with Netanyahu announcing that Trump would receive Israel's prestigious Israel Prize for Peace, marking the first time this highest civilian honor will be awarded to a non-Israeli. While this symbolic gesture highlights the personal rapport between the leaders, it does little to address the substantive challenges blocking peace in Gaza.