US-Israel Summit: Netanyahu to discuss Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iran amid rising regional tensions

Lebanon 29-12-2025 | 18:59

US-Israel Summit: Netanyahu to discuss Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iran amid rising regional tensions

Israel weighs military options while Washington urges cautious diplomacy.
US-Israel Summit: Netanyahu to discuss Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iran amid rising regional tensions
Previous meeting between Trump and Netanyahu at the White House. (AFP)
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Today, attention is focused on the upcoming US-Israeli summit in Florida. According to the Hebrew website Walla News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to discuss Gaza, Iran, and Hezbollah with US President Donald Trump.


According to the Hebrew site, "While Washington views the Lebanese government as taking the right steps regarding Hezbollah’s weapons, Israel continues its military operations, highlighting a persistent gap in perceptions."

 

In its report today, Walla News noted that Trump’s circle continues to show strong sympathy for Israel. However, patience with the Israeli Prime Minister is reportedly wearing thin among some of his close advisors. The report added: "It will be interesting to see how the dynamics unfold, as Gaza, Iran, and Hezbollah are on the agenda, alongside a personal and political relationship under growing strain."

 

In this context, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with the head of the Lebanese negotiating delegation in the Mechanism, former ambassador Simon Karam, to discuss preparations for the upcoming committee meeting scheduled for January 7.

 

Former ambassador Simon Karam in Baabda (Presidency of Lebanon).
Former ambassador Simon Karam in Baabda (Presidency of Lebanon).

 

Alaa Moussa: I am not issuing a warning, but rather calling for the implementation of international decisions. The Lebanese state and army have played a crucial role in the south

In this context, Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa congratulated the government on successfully passing the financial gap law, describing it as an important milestone that will be followed by further measures.

 

During a press conference, he confirmed ongoing efforts to ease tensions, noting that the Egyptian Foreign Minister has held intensive contacts with the key parties involved. With continued efforts, a positive outcome is possible, adding, "We hope that tensions will ease in the coming period."

He continued: "We are interested in what is happening in Lebanon, especially the threats it faces in the south and other areas."

 

In response to a question, he said: "I am not issuing a warning, but rather calling for the implementation of international decisions. The Lebanese state and army have played a crucial role in the south, and we appreciate their efforts. The only solution now is to enforce the agreements, and this is what we are coordinating with our partners, primarily the United States. Minister Abdel Atty remains in constant contact with the Israeli side to urge a reduction in tensions."

 

To what extent will America pressure Israel?

According to Channel 12, Israeli assessments suggest that the U.S. pressure arises from the fact that, at this stage, Hamas and Hezbollah are refusing to disarm, and there is no concrete operational plan beyond what is outlined in the “Twenty-Point Plan.”

 

Therefore, to advance the United States’ broader plans, Israeli officials believe that Washington will pressure Israel to make concessions on several issues - such as a more extensive withdrawal - even before Hamas begins to dismantle its weapons.

 

Hebrew media: Israeli army investigating ground operations during the war in Southern Lebanon and Gaza

The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that “the Israeli army has begun reviewing its ground operations during the war, including those in Gaza, fighting in southern Lebanon, and operations in the northern West Bank.”

 

Earlier, Israeli radio revealed that Netanyahu will ask Trump for a green light to strike Iran in the future.