A missile fired by Houthi rebels targets central Israel as airstrikes hit displaced area in Gaza
Associated PressJan 14
Report: Trump Pressured Netanyahu Into Accepting Gaza Deal
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Above: People pass by a congratulatory billboard showing elected U.S. President Donald Trump on Nov. 7, 2024 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli outlet Haaretz released a report on Monday claiming that incoming US Pres. Donald Trump pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into accepting a deal that would see a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages.
The report alleged that Trump's Middle East Envoy Steven Witkoff met with Netanyahu last week to "force" Israel to accept the deal, with Witkoff heading to Qatar to finalize the agreement. Members of Netanyahu's government have called the deal a "catastrophe."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Hamas, in many cases, was the main obstacle to achieving an end to this terrible war, the Biden admin. is proud of its role in mediating. With a deal agreed upon, the hostages will return home and Israel will be more secure. Though Israel has had to make hard decisions, it will be worth it when peace is finally achieved.
Pro-Israel narrative
Though Israel wants nothing more than to see all the hostages released, this deal may not be in the country's best interest. In the past, Palestinian prisoners released by Israel have played critical roles in terrorist plots against the country. Indeed, Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' slain leader, was a security prisoner released in an exchange deal. Israel may pay for this deal in blood many years down the road.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though a cease-fire is long overdue, Gaza has been destroyed. Indeed, the Israel-Palestinian "conflict" is not over, and Israel's occupation and apartheid system will remain. However, this war has made clear that the Palestinian cause cannot be dealt with via security measures or normalization agreements between Arab autocrats and Israel. Regardless of what happens next, Palestinians will continue to struggle for their liberation.
