The Illusion of Control
In a dramatic turn of Middle East diplomacy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly claimed credit for a breakthrough Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal—but behind the scenes, it was former U.S. President Donald Trump who dictated the terms.
“He’s Got No Choice”
According to a Saturday interview with Axios and Israel’s top news channel, Trump didn’t just broker the agreement—he strong-armed Netanyahu into accepting it.
“I said, ‘Bibi, this is your chance for victory,’” Trump recounted. “He was fine with it… He’s got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, you got to be fine.”
The remarks laid bare the power imbalance between the two leaders. While Netanyahu addressed the Israeli public in a polished televised statement—framing the deal as the result of weeks of coordinated diplomacy with Trump—regional observers and analysts saw a different story: a weakened Israeli leader leaning heavily on U.S. backing amid mounting global criticism over the conduct of the two-year Gaza war.
Why This Deal Matters
- ✅ All remaining hostages held by Hamas are expected to be released.
- ✅ The agreement could end active hostilities after 24 grueling months of conflict.
- ✅ It marks a rare diplomatic win for both leaders—but especially for Trump, who’s positioning himself as a global dealmaker ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
Netanyahu’s Tightrope Walk
Facing international censure and growing isolation, Netanyahu has little room to maneuver without American support. Analysts say this dynamic gave Trump unusual leverage—enough to essentially dictate terms while allowing Netanyahu to save face domestically.
“It’s classic Trump,” said one Middle East policy expert who asked not to be named. “Let the other guy take the bow—but make sure everyone knows who pulled the strings.”
Sources
The New York Times: Strong-Armed by Trump, Netanyahu Embraces Gaza Deal as a Personal Win
