Trump Pressures Netanyahu: Changes in the West Bank and Second Phase of Gaza Agreement to Begin Mid-January

SadaNews - Axios revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump and his advisors have asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make changes to Israel's policies in the occupied West Bank, a step the U.S. administration considers necessary to avoid any escalation that could undermine efforts to implement the peace agreement in Gaza.

According to informed sources for Axios, Netanyahu agreed to move forward with the second phase of the Gaza agreement, despite disagreements with Trump's team over implementation mechanisms. He also agreed to Trump's request to resume talks with the Syrian government about a potential security agreement.

Israel Hayom reported that Trump informed Netanyahu during their meeting that the second phase of his plan in Gaza would commence on January 15, 2026, imposing the matter without consulting the Israeli side. A political source confirmed to the newspaper that Israel would have to make concessions regarding Gaza, including opening the Rafah crossing in both directions.

These developments reflect increasing U.S. pressure on the Israeli government to ensure progress in the political process in Gaza, amid American fears that any tension in the West Bank could jeopardize the entire pathway.