Washington, Dec 30 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas to disarm within a “very short period of time,” while also cautioning Iran against reestablishing military capabilities. He reaffirmed the exceptionally close partnership between the US and Israel.

“We discussed Hamas and disarmament, and they will be given a very short time frame to comply,” Trump stated during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago on Monday.

He claimed that Hamas had already agreed to disarm.

“If they fail to disarm, as they promised… there will be consequences,” Trump emphasized. “They must disarm within a fairly short timeframe.”

Trump clarified that the responsibility for enforcement would not rest solely on Israel.

“If they refuse to disarm, those same nations will eliminate Hamas,” he remarked. “Israel is not even needed for that.”

He mentioned that 59 countries were unified behind the ongoing peace framework.

“We have 59 major countries that have signed on. This represents real peace in the Middle East, and Hamas is just a small part of that equation,” Trump said.

When asked if Israel would withdraw troops prior to Hamas fully disarming, Trump distinguished the two matters.

“That’s a different issue. We will discuss that,” he replied.

Trump dismissed allegations that Israel was stalling on implementing later phases of the peace plan.

“They have adhered to the plan completely,” he stated.

His focus was directed elsewhere.

“I’m not worried about what Israel is doing,” Trump said. “I’m more concerned about what others are doing, or perhaps not doing.”

Trump consistently related regional stability to Iran, warning that any renewed military activities would provoke immediate action.

“I hope they are not attempting to rebuild,” he said. “If they are… we will be forced to swiftly eradicate that buildup.”

He noted that intelligence indicated Iran might be looking for alternative sites after prior strikes.

“The previous locations were destroyed, but they are searching for others,” Trump mentioned. “They are actively looking.”

Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences if these reports were validated.

“The repercussions will be significant, perhaps even more potent than the last time,” he stated.

Simultaneously, Trump expressed a willingness for diplomatic efforts.

“Yes, I would,” he affirmed when asked about supporting talks with Tehran.

Trump revealed that he had previously advocated for negotiations.

“I suggested, let’s negotiate, but they underestimated the potential outcomes,” he said. “Now they take me seriously.”

Netanyahu commended Trump’s approach and his personal dedication to Israel.

“We have never had a friend in the White House as close as President Trump,” Netanyahu remarked.

He described their collaboration as “an unparalleled partnership.”

Netanyahu announced that Israel would honor Trump with the Israel Prize, the highest civilian accolade in the country.

“We have decided to break with tradition,” Netanyahu noted, pointing out that the prize had never been awarded to a non-Israeli.

“This year, we will present it to President Donald J. Trump for his immense contributions to Israel and the Jewish community,” he declared.

Trump called the acknowledgment “a tremendous honor.”

Trump portrayed Netanyahu as a wartime leader whose choices had been pivotal for Israel’s existence.

“He is a wartime prime minister at the highest level,” Trump asserted.

“If you had eight out of ten prime ministers in his position right now… Israel would not exist,” he added.

Trump claimed that the wider peace initiative was facilitated by past US actions against Iran.

“Without what we did to Iran… peace in the Middle East would not be achievable,” he stated.

Trump also touched on Syria, revealing that the US had an “understanding” with the new leadership there.

“I respect him. He is a very strong individual,” Trump said.

Netanyahu indicated that Israel’s priorities were security and safeguarding minorities.

“Our goal is to maintain peaceful borders with Syria,” he remarked. “We aim to protect our Druze allies.”

He added that “Christians must also be safeguarded in Syria and across the Middle East.”

Regarding Lebanon, Trump mentioned that Hezbollah remained a significant concern. “Hezbollah has been acting out,” he noted.

Trump stated that the Abraham Accords would be expanded. “They’ll be broadened quite swiftly,” he mentioned.

Throughout the press conference, Trump emphasized the need for deterrence, supported by force if necessary. “Without measures against buildup, there cannot be peace in the Middle East,” he reiterated, once again addressing Iran.

Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007 and is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States. Repeated ceasefire attempts have faltered over disarmament and security assurances.

Developments in West Asia are closely monitored by India and the Indian diaspora due to strategic interests, energy security, and the presence of millions of Indian nationals in the region.