Netanyahu to Discuss Iran and Next Phase of Gaza Plan in Talks With Trump

Post by : Saif Nasser

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will raise concerns about Iran and discuss the next phase of the Gaza plan during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week. His comments came during a joint press conference in Jerusalem with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Netanyahu said Israel is closely watching recent military activity by Iran. Earlier on Monday, Iranian state media reported that the country carried out missile drills in several cities. These exercises have drawn attention from Western countries, which see Iran’s missile program as a threat to regional stability and a possible risk if Iran were to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has repeatedly said it does not plan to build nuclear bombs.

The Israeli leader said that despite a short war with Iran earlier this year, Israel’s expectations remain the same. These include limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. Netanyahu stressed that Israel is not seeking confrontation, but instead wants stability, peace, and economic growth in the region.

Along with Iran, Netanyahu said the Gaza situation will be a key topic in his talks with Trump. He plans to discuss how to move forward with the next phase of the U.S.-backed Gaza plan. He also said discussions will include security concerns linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi group in Yemen, both of which are aligned with Iran.

Netanyahu said Israel wants to see a stable and independent Lebanon and is working to prevent attacks that could disrupt international shipping routes, especially in the Red Sea and nearby waters.

At the same meeting, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus agreed to deepen their security cooperation. The three countries share concerns about regional tensions and said closer ties would help protect stability in the eastern Mediterranean.

They also discussed major energy and transport projects. One plan aims to link India to Europe through the Middle East using sea and rail routes. Leaders said this could boost trade and strengthen economic ties between regions.

Another project involves building an undersea power cable to connect electricity grids between Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Europe, and the Arabian Peninsula. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis said Greece is becoming an important energy hub, especially for liquefied natural gas, and that these connections are a top priority.

Cyprus’ president said the projects would turn the region into a key gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said the meeting was important at a time when some countries are working to disrupt regional stability. He did not name those countries but said cooperation among allies is vital.

As Netanyahu prepares for his visit to Washington, the talks are expected to shape Israel’s approach to security, energy, and diplomacy in a region facing ongoing challenges.