Trump’s Hostage Ultimatum Faces Challenges as Inauguration Approaches

With less than two weeks until Donald Trump’s inauguration, his threats against Hamas over the remaining hostages in Gaza are drawing scrutiny. While Trump has repeatedly declared that “all hell will break loose” if the hostages are not released before January 20, he has yet to outline specific actions his administration would take in response.

Some have compared Trump’s tough rhetoric to the 1981 Iran hostage crisis, when Tehran released 52 American hostages on the day of Ronald Reagan’s inauguration. However, the reality of that situation was more complex. The release came after secret negotiations led to major U.S. concessions, including unfreezing $7.8 billion in Iranian assets.

Today’s crisis in Gaza presents a different challenge, as Hamas is dug in underground, driven by a religious ideology of endurance, and appears unmoved by Trump’s threats.

According to Rami Igra, a former Mossad official, Trump’s rhetoric is not influencing Hamas but it is pressuring Israel.

“Trump does not influence Hamas,” Igra said in a recent interview. “He influences Israel. Hamas underground only wants to prove its endurance. Trump’s threats are wind without movement.”

If the hostages are not released by January 20, Trump has several potential options:

1. Military Action – Trump could authorize direct U.S. military intervention or green-light Israeli military operations previously opposed by the Biden administration. However, Trump has long opposed new foreign wars, making this unlikely.

2. Unrestricted Arms Support for Israel – He could remove any remaining restrictions on U.S. arms shipments, allowing Israel to escalate its military campaign without concerns over U.S. pressure.

3. Economic Pressure – Trump could implement sanctions on Hamas-supporting countries, such as Qatar and Turkey, though both host key U.S. military bases, complicating such a move.

4. Targeting Iran – He could ramp up sanctions or take military action against Iran, Hamas’s primary backer, or allow Israel to strike Iranian targets.

5. Cutting Humanitarian Aid to Gaza – Trump could support Israeli measures to limit electricity, gas, and water supplies to Gaza as a means of pressure.

Trump’s threats, like any bold declarations, will be judged by their results. If they help secure a hostage deal, he will claim victory. But if the hostages remain in Hamas captivity, he risks both emboldening the terror group and damaging his credibility at the start of his second term.

The world is watching how Trump will act. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on U.S.-Israel relations.