Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held talks with former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, saying he will send a delegation to Rome on Sunday to negotiate a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, Anadolu Agency reports.

Netanyahu’s office shared photos and videos on X of Trump welcoming him and his wife Sara at his Florida resort.

In the images, Netanyahu stands beside Trump, holding a cap with the phrase “Total Victory” in English, reflecting Netanyahu’s stated goal of achieving total victory over Hamas, despite official Israeli circles doubting the feasibility of this in the short term.

Netanyahu is betting on Trump’s return to the White House to gain greater support for Israel, including promises of increased military, political, and diplomatic aid.

The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth said that Netanyahu plans to send an Israeli delegation to Rome on Sunday to negotiate a prisoner exchange deal with Palestinian factions in Gaza.

“Only time will tell if we are close to finalising the deal,” Netanyahu said, claiming that progress had been made due to military pressure on Hamas.