Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised former President Donald Trump's role in the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in early 2025. During a joint appearance at the Oval Office, Netanyahu, in response to a question about who deserved more credit for the deal, acknowledged Trump's "great force and powerful leadership." He specifically mentioned Trump's emissary, Steve Witkoff, who met with Netanyahu just days before the ceasefire came into effect on January 15th, shortly before Biden's departure from the White House.

Both Trump and former President Joe Biden claimed credit for the ceasefire. Biden, in his farewell address, highlighted his administration's eight months of negotiations leading to the deal. He stated that the plan was developed by his team but would be largely implemented by the incoming Trump administration.

Netanyahu emphasized the importance of US-Israel cooperation for peace in the Middle East, stating that collaboration between himself and Trump significantly increased the chances of progress. He pointed out that when the two countries don't present a united front, it creates opportunities for adversaries. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu at the White House focused on the future of the ceasefire, Iran's influence in the region, and the possibility of resettling Gaza residents elsewhere.

Trump asserted that the October 7, 2023, conflict would not have occurred under his presidency, attributing this to his administration's tough stance on Iran, which he claimed left the country financially crippled and unable to fund Hamas and Hezbollah. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to bringing home remaining hostages held by Hamas and expressed his belief that Hamas's presence in Gaza wouldn't last much longer. Trump echoed this sentiment, describing Gaza as too dangerous for anyone, including soldiers, to inhabit, suggesting that returning residents there would only lead to further casualties.