Netanyahu’s envoy meets Trump to discuss Middle East strategies
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s close aide, Ron Dermer, held a private meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, as confirmed by Israeli and U.S. officials. This crucial meeting is seen as an effort to align strategic policies between Israel and the incoming Trump administration, focusing on pressing regional issues.
Strategic Communication with Trump
The meeting’s primary objective was to relay Netanyahu’s messages to Trump and provide a briefing on Israel’s immediate plans regarding Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. According to an Israeli official, Dermer aimed to gauge Trump’s preferences on which issues he would like to see resolved before his inauguration on January 20 and which matters should await his direct involvement.
One U.S. official noted that the discussions included several high-priority topics, such as the ceasefire efforts between Israel and Lebanon, post-war plans for Gaza, and the potential normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Dermer also met with Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law, further underscoring the importance of the diplomatic engagement.
Coordination with the Biden Administration
Despite the sensitive nature of the discussions, the Biden administration was informed in advance about the meeting. This step indicates an attempt by Netanyahu to maintain transparency with the current U.S. administration, even as he prepares for a potential shift in U.S.-Israel policy under Trump.
Dermer’s Diplomatic Mission in Washington
Following his talks at Mar-a-Lago, Dermer traveled to Washington on Monday for discussions with key figures in the Biden administration. He met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and is scheduled to meet with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, as well as senior Biden advisers Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein.
The agenda for these meetings reportedly included U.S. demands for Israel to enhance humanitarian conditions in Gaza. U.S. officials had issued an ultimatum, requiring Israel to make significant improvements by November 13 or risk a suspension of American arms supplies in compliance with U.S. law. Israeli officials revealed that the security cabinet had approved measures to boost humanitarian aid, including an increase in the number of aid trucks entering Gaza. However, they acknowledged challenges in meeting the U.S. target of 350 aid trucks per day.
Diplomatic Tensions and Lebanon Ceasefire Efforts
A key focus of Dermer’s discussions with the Biden administration was the effort to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Netanyahu has expressed a desire to conclude the conflict in Lebanon swiftly, with U.S. officials noting ongoing exchanges about a potential agreement that would grant Israel the right to take military action if Hezbollah resumes military operations or smuggles weapons into Lebanon.
Negotiations have reportedly hit a snag over the precise language of a letter of commitment from the U.S. to Israel. Both sides have exchanged multiple drafts but have yet to finalize the terms. Biden’s adviser Amos Hochstein is working closely with Israeli counterparts to iron out remaining disagreements. “We have a few more details to settle with the Israeli side, but we are almost there,” a U.S. official stated.
Challenges Ahead: Hezbollah’s Objections
The ongoing negotiations face significant hurdles, particularly with Hezbollah’s stance on the potential deal. Hezbollah has made it clear that it will not accept any agreement that allows Israel to launch military strikes in Lebanon following a ceasefire. U.S. officials remain cautiously optimistic but acknowledge that the final agreement is still in flux. “There is no agreement at the moment, but we believe a deal is coming together. As always, nothing is final until it’s signed,” said a U.S. official.
Looking Forward
The meetings reflect a broader effort by Netanyahu’s administration to secure strategic assurances from both the current and incoming U.S. governments, as Israel navigates complex regional dynamics. The outcomes of these diplomatic engagements could shape U.S.-Israel relations and impact key issues in the Middle East for months to come.
