Netanyahu celebrates New Year's Eve with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara joined President Donald Trump for an opulent New Year's Eve gala at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, capping a week of high-stakes diplomacy centered on Gaza's fragile ceasefire. Netanyahu arrived at Trump's residence on Monday for their fifth meeting since the president's return to office. Social media posts captured the leaders in tuxedos mingling through the evening festivities.
Trump extended the invitation lightheartedly during Monday's talks on advancing the second phase of his Gaza peace plan, which calls for Hamas disarmament and deployment of an international stabilization force. Reports from Israel Hayom indicate the two leaders agreed to give Hamas a two-month deadline for disarmament, backed by clear criteria. The couples watched fireworks together amid the celebrations, with Trump responding to questions about his New Year's resolution by saying, "Peace, peace on Earth."
The black-tie event featured an unusual live charity auction where Trump served as auctioneer for a portrait of Jesus painted on the spot by artist Vanessa Horabuena. The artwork fetched $2.75 million, with proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the local sheriff's department. Trump remarked at the outset, "I just want to do something very special. It's very different."
Guests included Trump loyalists Rudy Giuliani and Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, along with Trump's sons Eric and Don Jr., and top administration officials such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.
This festive gathering unfolded as Trump's Gaza ceasefire, effective since October 10, nears a pivotal juncture. Viewed as a cornerstone achievement of his first year back in power, the deal faces skepticism from some White House officials who suspect Netanyahu of deliberately stalling progress on phase two. During Monday's meeting, Trump downplayed frictions with Netanyahu, affirming Israel had met its commitments and pinning responsibility on Hamas. "I'm not worried about what Israel is doing," Trump stated, adding there would be "a price to pay" if Hamas misses the disarmament deadline.
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