Trump Seeks to Capitalize on Hostage Deal Success as Inauguration Nears

President-elect Donald Trump appears poised to leverage the success of the recently finalized Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal as he prepares to take the oath of office on Monday. His administration’s behind-the-scenes efforts, led by incoming Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, have been credited with helping push the agreement across the finish line.

The deal, announced seven months after being introduced by outgoing President Joe Biden, has been described by Arab officials as a product of Trump’s direct pressure. Trump reportedly warned that “all hell” would break loose in the Middle East if the hostages were not released before his inauguration. This ultimatum, combined with Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts, reportedly pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make the necessary compromises.

While Trump has touted the deal as a victory, sustaining the ceasefire through its three planned phases presents significant challenges. The first phase, underway, involves the release of 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, a poll by Kan public broadcaster revealed mixed public sentiment: while 55% of Israelis support completing all phases of the deal, 46% of coalition voters prefer resuming military operations after the first phase.

Netanyahu has vowed to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities, and he faces internal pressure from far-right coalition members, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who threatens to topple the government if the war is not resumed.

Trump’s administration has sent mixed signals on the matter. While Trump publicly supports Israel’s security decisions, his team also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ceasefire to lay the groundwork for broader regional diplomacy, including the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

Trump’s envoy Witkoff has positioned himself as a key figure in the Middle East, emphasizing a balanced approach that includes improving conditions in Gaza and fostering long-term peace. Witkoff’s diplomatic strategy, combined with Trump’s pressure on Netanyahu, reflects a nuanced policy that contrasts with the administration’s strongly pro-Israel stance.

The incoming administration also aims to broker a historic normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a move contingent on significant progress toward a Palestinian state. Netanyahu’s resistance to such a framework has prompted speculation about future US-Israel tensions.

As Trump takes office, he faces the challenge of balancing his administration’s regional ambitions with Israel’s internal and external pressures. While he has publicly praised Netanyahu, Trump’s past criticisms of the prime minister suggest he will not shy away from leveraging US influence to secure compliance.

Trump has already set lofty expectations for his presidency. “In less than three months, without being president, we’ve achieved more in the Middle East than they achieved in four years,” he declared during a weekend rally, signaling his intent to redefine US leadership in the region.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Trump’s Middle East policies and Israel’s efforts to secure peace and security.