Rare is the case when the result of a war depends on a few days of diplomacy. Wars are usually won on the battlefield, not around the negotiating table. But that is exactly what is likely to happen this week in talks between the United States, Israel and Hamas.
Trump’s peace plan did indeed promise to achieve all of Israel’s goals: the release of the hostages and the end of Hamas’ rule in Gaza. Accordingly, Israel accepted the plan unconditionally and expected Trump to tell Hamas, “take it or leave it.” Hamas, as expected, said “yes, but.” The only question that remains is: what will Donald Trump do?
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump at the White House
(Photo: Alex Brandon/AP)
As of this writing, the answer remains unclear. The president declared that Hamas had accepted the plan and was prepared for peace. He ordered the IDF to stop firing in Gaza City to facilitate the safe release of the hostages. Once relieved of Israeli military pressure, Hamas will try to drag the United States into protracted negotiations and obtain approval to remain in Gaza and keep its so-called “defensive weapons.” In short, in exchange for the release of the hostages, Hamas wants to win the war.
In his most recent post, Trump warned Hamas not to drag its feet. “I will not tolerate delay,” he wrote, “or any outcome in which Gaza poses a threat again.” By sticking to that stance, the president can ensure that Israel, not Hamas, wins the war.
Michael OrenPhoto: AP
Our goal, therefore, must be to uphold Trump’s original plan and not allow Hamas to water it down. We must emphasize the need to secure the unconditional release of all the hostages, without allowing Hamas to keep its weapons or take part in a postwar Gaza government. We must also stress the importance of maintaining military pressure on Hamas and, if necessary, completing the conquest of Gaza City.
The outcome of the war in Gaza will not be determined by us on the battlefield, but by our leaders in the negotiating room. They, with the same courage as our soldiers, must fight to win.