Ceasefire Credit Clash: Trump and Biden Compete Over Middle East Diplomacy
U.S. leaders embroiled in a political rivalry as both claim responsibility for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiation.
In a dramatic turn of political events, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has sparked an intense rivalry between U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, each striving to be acknowledged as the architect behind the agreement.
The ceasefire, which aims to end a protracted 15-month conflict in Gaza, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing political contest between the two leaders.
Former President Donald Trump was quick to claim credit, making a statement on Truth Social where he hailed the 'EPIC ceasefire agreement' as a direct consequence of his November electoral victory.
Trump insisted that such significant negotiations, crucial for ensuring global peace and safeguarding Americans and allies, would only be feasible under his anticipated administration.
In sharp contrast, President Joe Biden responded with dismissive incredulity when asked if Trump deserved any credit, expressing his disbelief with a terse "Is that a joke?" during press interactions.
Biden credits his proposed plan from May, along with diligent diplomatic efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Mideast envoy Brett McGurk, and critical mediators from Qatar and Egypt, for orchestrating the ceasefire.
The Israeli cabinet, on the brink of voting on this pivotal agreement, faces potential internal discord.
Figures such as Bezalel Smotrich within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government could pose challenges, yet approval seems imminent.
Despite this, the debate over attribution remains contentious.
Behind closed doors, Biden's administration has persistently pursued a resolution, conducting numerous discussions with Netanyahu and Hamas over the past 15 months, only to encounter repeated obstacles.
Observations point to a change in momentum following a statement by Trump on January 7, perceived as a cautionary directive: 'All hell will break out.
If those hostages aren’t back...all hell will break out in the Middle East.' This warning, aimed not just at Hamas but more so at Netanyahu, was corroborated by Steve Bannon, Trump's former strategist, and an anonymous senior Israeli official, marking a pivotal moment in the negotiations.
Analysts such as Hugh Lovatt and Muhammad Shehada from the European Council on Foreign Relations assert that the humanitarian situation in Gaza and a separate Hezbollah ceasefire deal influenced Hamas's willingness to compromise.
Sanam Vakil of Chatham House added that Trump’s resolute stance played a crucial role.
He suggests that while Biden’s administration may have been reluctant to exert strong pressure on Israel due to potential electoral backlash, Trump’s intervention offered Netanyahu a pathway to address internal political hurdles.
Amid the heightened political discourse, Arab leaders had long advocated for Biden to adopt a more forceful stance, yet it was Trump's involvement that reportedly endowed Netanyahu with the conviction required to face cabinet opposition.
Highlighting the necessity for Israeli consensus, Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff undertook significant diplomatic maneuvers, even encouraging Netanyahu to engage in negotiations during the Sabbath.
As the global community closely observes, the ceasefire agreement stands on the verge of approval, while U.S. political actors continue to vie for acknowledgment in this diplomatic success.
Meanwhile, the region and the world at large await the implications for stability in the Middle East.
The ceasefire, which aims to end a protracted 15-month conflict in Gaza, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing political contest between the two leaders.
Former President Donald Trump was quick to claim credit, making a statement on Truth Social where he hailed the 'EPIC ceasefire agreement' as a direct consequence of his November electoral victory.
Trump insisted that such significant negotiations, crucial for ensuring global peace and safeguarding Americans and allies, would only be feasible under his anticipated administration.
In sharp contrast, President Joe Biden responded with dismissive incredulity when asked if Trump deserved any credit, expressing his disbelief with a terse "Is that a joke?" during press interactions.
Biden credits his proposed plan from May, along with diligent diplomatic efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Mideast envoy Brett McGurk, and critical mediators from Qatar and Egypt, for orchestrating the ceasefire.
The Israeli cabinet, on the brink of voting on this pivotal agreement, faces potential internal discord.
Figures such as Bezalel Smotrich within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government could pose challenges, yet approval seems imminent.
Despite this, the debate over attribution remains contentious.
Behind closed doors, Biden's administration has persistently pursued a resolution, conducting numerous discussions with Netanyahu and Hamas over the past 15 months, only to encounter repeated obstacles.
Observations point to a change in momentum following a statement by Trump on January 7, perceived as a cautionary directive: 'All hell will break out.
If those hostages aren’t back...all hell will break out in the Middle East.' This warning, aimed not just at Hamas but more so at Netanyahu, was corroborated by Steve Bannon, Trump's former strategist, and an anonymous senior Israeli official, marking a pivotal moment in the negotiations.
Analysts such as Hugh Lovatt and Muhammad Shehada from the European Council on Foreign Relations assert that the humanitarian situation in Gaza and a separate Hezbollah ceasefire deal influenced Hamas's willingness to compromise.
Sanam Vakil of Chatham House added that Trump’s resolute stance played a crucial role.
He suggests that while Biden’s administration may have been reluctant to exert strong pressure on Israel due to potential electoral backlash, Trump’s intervention offered Netanyahu a pathway to address internal political hurdles.
Amid the heightened political discourse, Arab leaders had long advocated for Biden to adopt a more forceful stance, yet it was Trump's involvement that reportedly endowed Netanyahu with the conviction required to face cabinet opposition.
Highlighting the necessity for Israeli consensus, Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff undertook significant diplomatic maneuvers, even encouraging Netanyahu to engage in negotiations during the Sabbath.
As the global community closely observes, the ceasefire agreement stands on the verge of approval, while U.S. political actors continue to vie for acknowledgment in this diplomatic success.
Meanwhile, the region and the world at large await the implications for stability in the Middle East.
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