Netanyahu Joins Trump at Mar-a-Lago for Gaza Truce Talks as Ukraine Peace Deal Nears "95% Completion"
By TimesNews USA Staff | December 29, 2025
PALM BEACH, FL — Following a historic Sunday summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the spotlight at Mar-a-Lago has shifted to the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Florida today for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump, aimed at finalizing the second phase of a fragile Gaza ceasefire plan.
Inside This Report
The Netanyahu-Trump Summit: Finalizing the Gaza Truce
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit—his fifth to the U.S. in 2025—comes at a moment of extreme tension. While a temporary truce has held for weeks, regional mediators and the Trump administration are pushing for a "Phase Two" agreement that would see a permanent end to hostilities and the release of all remaining captives.
White House officials suggest that the Trump administration is eager to announce a new Palestinian technocratic government for Gaza. However, reports indicate growing "exasperation" within the administration over Netanyahu’s recent moves to fortify border zones, which some argue could stall the peace process. Today's face-to-face meeting is expected to clear these final hurdles.
Trump & Zelenskyy: A "95% Ready" Deal
Late last night, following their private lunch, Donald Trump told reporters that a draft agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war is nearly complete. "I really think we are closer than ever," Trump stated, noting that the "thorny" issue of the Donbas region remains the final 5% to be resolved.
| Peace Plan Pillar | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire Line | Agreed in principle; based on current front lines. |
| Security Guarantees | Kyiv pushing for U.S.-led defense pact; Russia opposes. |
| Territorial Swap | Under discussion; Putin reportedly open to limited trades. |
| January Summit | Confirmed; European leaders to meet in Washington. |
Tragedy in Mexico: Oaxaca Train Disaster
While diplomacy takes center stage in Florida, tragedy has struck southern Mexico. An Interoceanic Train carrying 250 passengers derailed near the town of Nizanda in Oaxaca. At least 13 people are confirmed dead, with 98 injured. The Mexican Navy is currently leading search and rescue operations, as rail traffic across the southern corridor remains halted.
Today’s National News Briefs
- Northeast Storm Chaos: A massive winter storm has grounded over 4,000 flights. New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency as snow and freezing rain continue to hit the coast.
- ICE Community Sweeps: A new report shows ICE has shifted its strategy to "at-large" community arrests rather than jail-based detainment, leading to a soaring number of arrests in major cities.
- Farewell to an Icon: Tributes continue to pour in for Brigitte Bardot, the French cinema icon who passed away at 91. Lindsay Lohan and Apple Martin were among the first to release statements today.
Stay tuned to TimesNews USA for live updates as the Netanyahu-Trump talks progress throughout the day.
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