The Mar-a-Lago Summit: Potential Friction as Netanyahu and Trump Clash Over Gaza’s Future

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set off for Florida this Sunday for a pivotal sixth encounter with President Donald Trump since his inauguration. While the White House remains silent on the official schedule, all eyes are on the Mar-a-Lago resort this Monday. Despite their historical alliance, Israeli officials are bracing for a "heated" atmosphere, citing fundamental disagreements over the post-war roadmap for the Gaza Strip.

The primary friction point involves Trump’s insistence on transitioning to "Phase Two" of his peace plan, which prioritizes reconstruction and the establishment of a governing body under a "Peace Council." Netanyahu, however, remains wary of rebuilding efforts preceding the total's disarmament of Hamas. Furthermore, Trump’s endorsement of Turkey’s involvement in an international stabilization force has caused significant unease in Tel Aviv.

On the strategic front, the leaders may find common ground regarding Syria, where "significant progress" is anticipated. However, the Iranian file remains a delicate balancing act; Netanyahu is expected to lobby for a "green light" to strike Iranian missile facilities, while the Trump administration maintains a dual-track approach that keeps the door open for negotiations with Tehran. This meeting will be a litmus test for whether Trump’s unpredictable diplomacy will lean toward a friendly consensus or an assertive confrontation.