Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the second phase of a U.S.-backed roadmap to end the Gaza conflict was nearing completion, though several crucial points remained unresolved — including the possible deployment of an international security force.
Speaking in Jerusalem alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said he would hold “important discussions” with U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of the month to ensure progress on the plan’s next phase. The prime minister’s office announced on December 1 that Trump had invited Netanyahu to the White House “in the near future,” though a specific date has not yet been released.
Netanyahu said his talks with Trump would focus on ending Hamas’ control in Gaza and ensuring the group adheres to the ceasefire terms. The truce, now in its second month, has been marred by accusations from both Israel and Hamas of repeated violations.
He stressed that Hamas must not only maintain the ceasefire but must also honor its commitment to disarm and allow for Gaza’s demilitarization. Under the first phase of the U.S. plan, Israel retained control of 53% of the territory, with the arrangement tied to the exchange of hostages and Palestinian detainees. The last remaining hostage to be returned is the body of an Israeli police officer killed on October 7, 2023, during clashes with militants.
“We’ll get him out,” Netanyahu vowed.
Germany: Phase Two Should Begin Without Delay
The plan’s second stage calls for Israel to pull back further as a transitional governing authority is formed in Gaza, an international security presence is deployed, Hamas is disarmed, and reconstruction begins. While a multinational coordination center has been set up in Israel, officials say implementation has slowed due to disagreements and the absence of clear timelines.
Netanyahu acknowledged that key details remain under debate, including which nations would contribute forces and what alternatives exist if no multinational deployment is agreed upon.
Chancellor Merz said Germany is ready to assist in rebuilding Gaza but will wait for clarity on the U.S. position following Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump. Still, he stressed that the transition to phase two “must come now.”
Even during the ceasefire, Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes targeting what it describes as imminent threats or militant infrastructure. According to Gaza’s health ministry, 373 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began. Israel reports that three of its soldiers have been killed by militants.
Netanyahu: West Bank Annexation Still Under Discussion
Netanyahu also said he intends to discuss “opportunities for peace” with Trump, referring to U.S. efforts to deepen Israel’s normalization with Arab and Muslim nations.
He insisted that Israel would maintain security control over the West Bank, even as Trump has assured Muslim leaders that Israel will not move toward formal annexation of the occupied territory.
Netanyahu noted that the “question of political annexation” remains an open topic of discussion within his government.
