Netanyahu's Iran Strategy and Gaza Ultimatum: Inside His Washington Power Play

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Prime Minister Netanyahu traveled to Washington on February 11 where he met with President Donald Trump for over three hours at the White House, marking their seventh meeting since Trump returned to office[1][4]. The discussions centered on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and the situation in Gaza[1][4]. Netanyahu presented new intelligence on Iran's military buildup, specifically focusing on ballistic missile development, and stressed that any future U.S.-Iran agreement must address both nuclear capabilities and missile restrictions to protect Israeli security[1][4].

A notable development came when Netanyahu formally accepted membership in Trump's newly created Board of Peace initiative[4]. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is scheduled to attend Trump's first formal Board of Peace meeting on February 19[5].

Regarding Gaza, Netanyahu has taken a hardline stance on Hamas disarmament. According to his cabinet secretary, Israel will afford Hamas a 60-day period to fully disarm, including surrendering all weapons such as AK-47 rifles, or the Israeli military will resume intensive operations[6]. Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas still holds approximately 60,000 rifles in Gaza and must give up all weapons, not just major ones[6]. He stated that Israel has dismantled roughly 150 kilometers of the approximately 500 kilometers of tunnel networks in Gaza and must complete the job to prevent Hamas from hiding weapons labs[8].

On February 16, speaking at a public conference after his Washington meetings, Netanyahu reiterated his skepticism about any deal with Iran, while acknowledging that Trump remains determined to pursue negotiations[8]. He also expressed Israel's desire to shift its relationship with the United States from aid-based to partnership-based, focusing on building an independent domestic defense industry[8].

Additionally, Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Australia during this period, meeting with country leaders and the Jewish community following a deadly antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah event[1].

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