U.S. President Donald Trump made a series of significant remarks Monday while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, including a threat against Iran, openness toward Syria and Turkey, and a call for Netanyahu to receive a pardon. Trump said the two leaders would discuss five issues.
Disarming Hamas
Trump said he hoped to begin implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement as soon as possible, but stressed that Hamas must first be disarmed.
He added that three of the most difficult issues related to Gaza were resolved within five minutes of talks. “The situation in Gaza is very difficult,” he said.
Deployment of Turkish Forces
Asked about the possible deployment of Turkish forces in Gaza, Trump said he would discuss the matter with Netanyahu. “As far as I’m concerned, Turkey has done a great job,” he said.
Israel has repeatedly voiced its opposition to the deployment of Turkish forces as part of an international force tasked with stabilizing the ceasefire and maintaining order in Gaza.
Threat to Strike Iran
Trump said the United States would move quickly to launch new attacks on Iran if it is found to be rebuilding its nuclear program, which was targeted by U.S. strikes last June.
“I hear Iran is trying to rebuild, and if they are doing that, we will have to hit them again. We will crush them completely,” he said.
At the same time, Trump said he remains open to negotiations aimed at reaching an “agreement,” describing that option as “smarter.”
“Good Relationship” Between Netanyahu and al-Sharaa
Trump said he hoped for a good relationship between Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
“The new president of Syria is working hard to succeed. He’s tough — but you wouldn’t expect a soft figure to be president of Syria,” Trump said.
He added that Syria would be among the topics discussed with Netanyahu, recalling his decision to lift sanctions on Damascus.
Netanyahu Deserves a Pardon
Trump said he had spoken with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who told him that a pardon for Netanyahu was “on the way.”
“He’s a prime minister in wartime — a hero. How could he not receive a pardon?” Trump said.
He added that Israel might not exist today if it were led by someone else. “Netanyahu is a strong leader — sometimes difficult, but strong,” he said.
Later, Herzog’s office denied Trump’s claim.
