Trump Welcomes Netanyahu: We Will Soon Move to the Second Phase in Gaza and Strike Iran if It Rebuilds Its Nuclear Capabilities

SadaNews -U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his administration is seeking to quickly transition to the second phase of its plan regarding the Gaza Strip, noting that this issue will be at the core of his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his reception at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

Trump clarified in remarks made to reporters that he will discuss the disarmament of Hamas with Netanyahu, saying: "Hamas needs to be dismantled from its weapons, and we will talk about that." He also indicated he would discuss the possibility of Turkey participating in the international force in the Gaza Strip, adding: "If that’s good, that’s good, but fundamentally it depends on Bibi."

Regarding the Iranian issue, Trump escalated his rhetoric, stating: "I hear Iran is trying to rebuild its nuclear sites, and if they are doing that, we will strike them again," emphasizing that the U.S. response would be swift if Tehran continues to develop its nuclear or missile capabilities. He added: "Iran must reach an agreement," but stressed at the same time that he "will support a swift attack on Iran if it continues to build its nuclear capabilities."

Trump also announced that the reconstruction of Gaza will begin soon, without providing additional details regarding the mechanisms or timeline, merely noting that the issue is included in the overall plan being discussed with the Israeli side and the plan announced in Sharm El-Sheikh earlier in October for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In the context of his personal and political relationship with Netanyahu, Trump responded to reporters' questions about the nature of this relationship: "I don’t think our relationship could be better than it is right now. He is a war hero, and I believe he deserves a pardon." He later added: "I believe Netanyahu will receive a pardon. I spoke with the president, and he told me it is on the way," in an indirect reference to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, without there being any official announcement of a phone call between the two parties yet.

During his appearance alongside Netanyahu, Trump stated that the United States and Israel are "doing everything they can to bring the last captured soldier home," referring to the remains of Israeli soldier Ron Givli held in the Gaza Strip, adding that this issue is a priority in ongoing discussions.

Trump concluded his remarks by saying: "We will have a big meeting, and we will see each other in two hours," referring to a closed session scheduled to discuss the Gaza issues, Iran, and regional relations with Netanyahu.

Herzog Denies Contact with Trump Regarding Pardon for Netanyahu

For his part, the Israeli presidential office denied any phone contact between Herzog and U.S. President Donald Trump since the request for a pardon was submitted, responding to media inquiries raised about this issue.

The office clarified that "no conversations have taken place between President Herzog and President Trump since the submission of the pardon request," indicating that weeks ago there was a conversation between Herzog and a representative of Trump, who inquired about the U.S. president's message.

The statement added that President Herzog "provided an explanation regarding the stage the pardon request is at during that conversation, and clarified that the decision would be made according to the applicable procedures," affirming that this clarification was conveyed to Trump’s representative "just as President Herzog explained it to the public opinion in Israel."