Trump, Netanyahu to discuss next phase of Gaza ceasefire

US President Donald Trump was expected to push for progress in the stalled ceasefire in Gaza at his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Dec 29 for talks that would include Israel's concerns over Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran.

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Mr Netanyahu said in December that Mr Trump had invited him for talks, as Washington pushes to establish transitional governance and an international security force for the Palestinian enclave.

Mr Netanyahu, who would meet Mr Trump at his Mara-Lago beach club at 1pm local time, said on Dec 22 that discussions were expected to cover the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, as well as Iran and Lebanon.

Washington brokered ceasefires on all three fronts, but Israel is wary of its foes rebuilding their forces after they were considerably weakened in the war.

All sides agreed in October to Mr Trump's ceasefire plan, which calls for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and Hamas to give up its weapons and forgo a governing role in the enclave.

The first phase of the ceasefire includes a partial Israeli withdrawal, an increase of aid and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian detainees and prisoners.