Trump Engages with Netanyahu, Expresses Desire for Iran Deal while Citing ‘Midnight Hammer’ Operation

The White House meeting on Wednesday was largely focused on Iran, as both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed their ongoing uncertainty about diplomatic efforts with Tehran. The two leaders emphasized their commitment to maintaining coordination in the event that talks fall apart.

Following the meeting, President Trump took to Truth Social to share insights into the discussions, emphasizing his advocacy for continued negotiations with Iran, while also acknowledging that alternative actions remain on the table.

“No definitive decisions were made other than my insistence that negotiations with Iran persist to determine if a deal is achievable,” Trump wrote. “Should a deal be possible, I communicated this as a preference to the Prime Minister. However, if not, we will have to assess the situation as it unfolds. Previously, Iran opted against a deal and faced the ‘Midnight Hammer,’ which did not work out favorably for them.”

According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the leaders covered topics including Iran, Gaza, and wider regional developments, agreeing to uphold close cooperation. The Israeli Prime Minister also highlighted Israel’s security requirements within the scope of ongoing negotiations.

The meeting took place at the White House on February 11, 2025, capturing a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic dialogue between the United States and Israel. (Photo credit: Avi Ohayun/ GPO)

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu formally joined the U.S.-backed Board of Peace, signing onto the initiative ahead of the meeting after weeks of hesitation. The move places Israel inside a forum that includes Western partners as well as Turkey and Qatar, whose involvement in Gaza has drawn criticism in Jerusalem.

Experts say the decision reflects strategic calculations tied to both Gaza and Iran.

Dr. Dan Diker, president of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, said Netanyahu’s participation is directly linked to cooperation with Washington and to shaping postwar arrangements in Gaza.

“It is in Israel’s interest for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to join the Board of Peace. He needs a place at that table even alongside adversarial powers such as Muslim Brotherhood-aligned countries Qatar and Turkey. Netanyahu’s membership in the Board of Peace is an important element in his cooperation with President Trump to help implement the 20-point plan, with deradicalization, disarming Hamas and demilitarization as the first three non-negotiable actions.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a document after their meeting in Washington, on Feb. 11, 2026. (Avi Ohayon/GPO/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Diker said the decision is also tied to Iran. “More strategic reason that Netanyahu’s membership on the Board of Peace is important is that it represents an element of cooperation to counter the Iranian regime. Netanyahu is likely counting on action against the Iranian regime from the Iranian people themselves and from the United States in the coming weeks. In exchange, Netanyahu continues to cooperate in implementing the 20-point plan in Gaza as part of a quid pro quo.”

Blaise Misztal, vice president for policy at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, described Israel’s move as a pragmatic choice shaped by the incomplete implementation of the Gaza deal and the broader regional threat environment.

“The implementation of the Gaza peace deal leaves much to be desired. Hamas, despite being given 72 hours to release all hostages, took over 100 days to do so; Hamas has still not disarmed; there is neither an International Stabilization Force nor any countries jumping at the chance to join it; and the Board of Peace comprises countries that have shown themselves enemies of peace with Israel.”

President Donald Trump holds up his signature on the founding charter during a signing ceremony for the Board of Peace in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, 2026. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

He said Israel ultimately chose engagement over isolation. “Proceeding with the deal — including joining the Board of Peace — is Israel’s least bad option. Israel has a better chance of countering or balancing Turkish and Qatari influence on the Board of Peace by being in the room with them, rather than outside it.”

Misztal also linked the timing to Iran. “With the United States having a real chance to disarm, or even topple, the Iranian regime and the risk that Tehran might yet lash out at Israel, there is no interest in doing anything that would risk restarting the war in Gaza.”