The Biden administration’s own officials are now acknowledging what many Republicans have long suspected: it was President-elect Donald Trump’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas negotiations that ultimately led to a breakthrough, forcing both sides to agree to a ceasefire and hostage release after over a year of brutal conflict.
According to multiple sources within both the U.S. and Israeli governments, it was Trump’s looming inauguration—combined with the leadership of his Middle East special envoy, Steve Witkoff—that shifted the tides. A source close to Trump’s transition team described Witkoff’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last weekend as “direct” and free from the usual political niceties, signaling a no-nonsense approach that immediately got results.
The breakthrough deal, signed on Wednesday, closely mirrored the terms the Biden administration had unsuccessfully been attempting to secure since May. A critical component of the agreement is a 42-day ceasefire starting Sunday, during which Israel will release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. But it was Trump’s pressure on both Israel and Hamas that brought both parties to the table, with officials confirming that his influence played a decisive role.
One Biden administration official even praised Trump’s “sell-by date” for the hostage release, noting that setting a hard deadline can sometimes be the key to unlocking stalled negotiations. While Biden had worked for months to broker peace, it was clear that Trump’s unwavering stance, particularly his promise of severe consequences if Hamas didn’t comply, provided the necessary leverage to force the deal through.
Trump’s influence over Netanyahu was another crucial factor. Netanyahu, who had resisted making concessions for months, ultimately agreed to terms under pressure from Trump, who had spent his first term building a strong relationship with Israel. His recognition of the Golan Heights and the move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem were among his many actions that endeared him to the Jewish state. This unwavering support gave Trump a unique ability to push Netanyahu into accepting a deal that had previously been off the table.
Moreover, Trump’s hardline stance on Iran and his role in isolating Hamas and Hezbollah were key elements that played into the success of the negotiations. With Hezbollah defeated and Hamas under increasing international pressure, both sides were more willing to come to the table.
While Biden’s team had worked diligently on the issue, it was clear that Trump’s leadership, combined with his clear and direct approach, was the tipping point in securing a deal that had eluded Biden for more than a year.