How Trump secured a Gaza breakthrough which eluded Biden
Key Takeaways
- President Donald Trump announced a deal for the release of all remaining hostages, a goal that eluded the Biden administration.
- The breakthrough followed an Israeli strike in Qatar, which prompted Trump to issue an ultimatum to Netanyahu, forcing a shift in strategy.
- Trump's success is linked to his close, highly supportive relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, allowing for unprecedented behind-the-scenes pressure.
- Biden's relationship with the Israeli government was more tenuous, complicated by domestic political divisions over the Gaza War.
- The timing of the deal suggests Israel had achieved many of its strategic objectives by the time Trump secured the agreement.
A deal announced by President Donald Trump to release all remaining hostages is being viewed as a major diplomatic breakthrough that eluded President Joe Biden and his team for almost two years. This agreement appears to have stemmed from a critical moment following an Israeli air strike against Hamas negotiators in Qatar, which led Trump to issue an ultimatum to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the war must stop. Trump's ability to secure this deal is linked to his unique relationship with Israel and the Arab world, characterized by public supportâsuch as moving the US embassy to Jerusalemâthat potentially gave him leverage for private pressure. In contrast, Biden's administration employed a 'bear hug' strategy, but his domestic political constraints and a less warm relationship with Netanyahu limited his maneuvering room compared to Trump's solid base. Furthermore, by the time Trump secured this deal eight months into his second term, Israel had reportedly achieved many of its major strategic objectives, making it more amenable to peace negotiations.
