Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 29, 2025. JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Benjamin Netanyahu got what he came for from Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida: a much-needed respite. With pressure mounting on the Israeli prime minister from all sides in recent weeks, and even Washington, Israel's staunch ally, expressing its frustration at the deadlock on several issues, starting with the Gaza peace plan, the two leaders presented a united front to the press after their lunch meeting on Monday, December 29.
The American president said there was "very little difference" between the two leaders. "We've never had a friend like President Trump in the White House," responded Netanyahu, surprising his host, who is never one to shy away from honors, by presenting him with the Israel Prize, a prestigious award usually reserved for citizens of Israel.
There was a very busy agenda at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club. Trump, who had hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the previous day in a similar setting, was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles; his two negotiators, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff; Chief of the General Staff General Dan Caine, and advisers Stephen Miller and Dan Scavino.
