Trump hosts Netanyahu for third meeting in six months

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Zohran Mamdani, the progressive Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, warning that Mamdani “better behave” or face serious consequences.

Speaking in recent remarks, Trump went further to label Mamdani not just a socialist but a “communist” and accused him of making deeply offensive statements about Jewish people.

Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that 'Israel' is open to peace but rejected the idea of granting full sovereignty to Palestinians under the current security climate.

“Palestinians can govern themselves, but not threaten us,” Netanyahu stated. “We can reach peace with Palestinians who do not seek to destroy us, but security will remain in our hands.”

Netanyahu expressed optimism for broader regional normalization efforts, saying,“We can achieve broad peace in the Middle East that includes all our neighbors.” However, he also drew a hard line against renewed calls for a two-state solution.

“Some ask us to give Palestinians a state, but it would only become a platform to destroy us,” he warned. “After October 7, Hamas had a ‘state’ inside Israel, but we destroyed it.”

As of now, no new ceasefire deal has been reached between 'Israel' and Hamas, though both leaders said conditions are improving. Trump signaled optimism, “I don’t believe there are obstacles to a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, things are going well.”

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump held a pivotal meeting in Washington this week, signaling deepening cooperation between the two leaders on a range of critical regional and global issues, from the war in Gaza to Iran’s nuclear program and broader geopolitical realignments.

In a joint appearance and series of statements, the two leaders highlighted what they described as a strong and growing partnership.

“I met with Secretary of State Rubio and had a very important discussion about strengthening the Israel–US alliance,” Netanyahu said, noting that both countries face “shared challenges on the regional and international levels.”

Netanyahu praised Trump’s leadership, saying, “I express the gratitude and admiration of all Israelis for President Trump’s leadership of the free world,” and added, “Our teams together form a great partnership, and President Trump is shaping peace in the region.”

The meeting comes as the US steps up efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, where indirect talks between 'Israel' and Hamas continue in Qatar.

Trump confirmed the diplomatic momentum, stating, “Hamas wants to negotiate and reach a ceasefire.”

He also emphasized that his administration is focused on “fair negotiations” and achieving “justice for the United States in trade.”

In a significant comment on the future of Gaza, Netanyahu said, “President Trump spoke about freedom of choice, if Gaza residents want to leave, they can, and if they wish to stay, they may do so.”

Trump, who has previously described ending wars as a top foreign policy goal, also touched on the conflict in Ukraine.

“I stop wars. About 7,000 soldiers were killed just last week between Russia and Ukraine, and I can stop that,” he said, expressing disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin for not working toward peace.

Turning to Iran, Trump made bold claims about recent US military operations, stating, “The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the destruction of the site we targeted in Iran,” and added, “The Iranian nuclear program has been wiped out.”

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House in the US capital, Washington, ahead of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump and Netanyahu are expected to discuss regional issues, most notably the proposed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.