Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to meet Donald Trump late on Monday at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, against a backdrop of mounting concerns over potential Israeli military action beyond Gaza and growing strain over the fragile ceasefire.
Netanyahu departed Israel on Sunday for his fifth visit to the United States this year, as diplomatic pressure intensifies around the next steps in the Gaza truce and broader regional stability.
Gaza ceasefire at the centre of talks
The ceasefire in Gaza, which came into effect in October and paused a devastating two-year war, is expected to dominate discussions. While the first phase of the truce has largely been implemented, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas and the release of most hostages held by Hamas, progress towards the second phase has stalled.
Both sides accuse each other of breaching the agreement. Hamas has not made a clear commitment to disarm, while Israel has shown reluctance to withdraw from large parts of Gaza or to allow the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Regional escalation fears
At the same time, concerns are growing over the possibility of new Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon or even against Iran, which Israel accuses of expanding its ballistic missile capabilities.
These developments have heightened anxieties about a broader escalation that could further destabilise the Middle East.
US patience wearing thin
According to analysts, frustration is increasing within the US administration over the lack of progress in the peace process, as the ceasefire remains fragile and unresolved.
Despite this, maintaining a close relationship with Trump is seen as crucial for Netanyahu, particularly with Israeli elections expected in the coming months.
Source: Guardian