Israeli PM Netanyahu with US President-elect Donald Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he had a “very warm” and “friendly” phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump. The discussion spanned key topics, including the ongoing Gaza war, the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the shifting geopolitical landscape in Syria. Netanyahu emphasised Israel’s commitment to victory in the Gaza conflict while navigating regional challenges and bolstering its security.
In a video statement following the call, Netanyahu described his rapport with Trump as a significant asset in addressing Israel’s pressing issues. “I discussed all of this again last night with my friend, US President-elect Donald Trump,” Netanyahu remarked, emphasising the importance of the discussion.
The December 14, evening call covered a wide range of topics, stating the strategic partnership between Israel and the United States during a particularly volatile period in the Middle East. Netanyahu said, “It was a very friendly, very warm, and very important conversation. We spoke about the need to complete Israel’s victory and about the efforts we are making to free our hostages.”
The war in Gaza remains a focal point of Netanyahu’s agenda. Hamas’ unprecedented October 7, 2023, attack on Israel resulted in over 1,200 fatalities, more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza, and widespread devastation. Israel’s military response has been relentless, with a staggering death toll of over 45,000 Palestinians reported.
During the phone call, Netanyahu stressed the urgent need to bring back the remaining hostages. Approximately 100 individuals are still believed to be held captive by Hamas. Netanyahu assured, “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring our hostages home, both the living and the dead. And I add, the less we talk about it, the better. With God’s help, we will succeed.”
The discussion also extended to Syria, where the 24-year-long rule of President Bashar al-Assad recently collapsed. Rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have taken control of Damascus and other key regions, marking a dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape.
Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s policy of non-intervention in Syria’s internal matters but warned of the implications of regional instability. He accused Syria of allowing Iran to use its territory to arm Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group that has consistently threatened Israel. “To prevent you from harming us, we will continue to act against you as much as necessary, in every area and at any time,” Netanyahu declared.
Following Assad’s ouster, Israeli forces moved to control a buffer zone that had separated Israeli and Syrian forces for decades. While this is described as a temporary measure, the move has raised tensions with Syrian rebels and neighboring nations. Netanyahu reiterated that the buffer zone is intended to address immediate security threats and is not a sign of deeper involvement in Syria’s affairs.
Netanyahu and Trump also discussed Israel’s efforts to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. The Iran-backed group has been a central focus of Israel’s security operations, particularly after a 13-month-long conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border that ended with a ceasefire in November. During the conflict, Israeli forces neutralised several senior Hezbollah commanders, including former leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Netanyahu emphasised that Israel’s vigilance against Hezbollah and Iran remains a critical priority. “This is an ongoing test for Israel, and we will meet it. I say to Hezbollah and Iran in no uncertain terms—our resolve will not waver,” he asserted.
The Golan Heights, a strategically significant region, has emerged as another focal point for Netanyahu’s government. Following Assad’s fall, Israel has expanded its presence in the region, including a controversial move to settle the Katzrin Heights.
Netanyahu recently approved an amendment aimed at doubling the population of the Golan Heights, citing its importance to Israel’s security and development. “Empowering the Golan Heights means empowering Israel, especially important at this time,” Netanyahu said.
This plan has drawn criticism from neighboring nations and Syrian rebels, who view it as a unilateral action in disputed territory. Netanyahu defended the decision, stating, “We will continue to hold on to it, make it flourish, and settle it.”
The phone call between Netanyahu and Trump highlighted the enduring strength of US-Israel relations, particularly during turbulent times.
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