Deal

The ‍Art ‌of the Deal: Trump‘s Intervention in the Gaza Conflict

The ‌strategy was meticulously crafted, built on a foundation of assertive tactics honed over decades. First, create an‌ off-ramp, a path for all parties to de-escalate⁤ without⁣ appearing weak. Then, relentlessly apply the principle that​ “Perception is everything.” This meant ⁣carefully‌ orchestrating the image of control and impending success – a strategically timed phone‌ call, ​a staged signature in the Oval Office – even before any​ concrete agreement was reached. ⁣the core tenet: “aim high and give little” – demanding three times the desired outcome, knowing ⁤concessions would be necessary, but ensuring a substantial gain.

The resulting plan, distilled into twenty key points, was deliberately maximalist. Trump envisioned a complete demilitarization ⁤of Gaza, the ​absolute exclusion of Hamas and all armed factions from any future governing role, and the permanent deployment of a multinational force to guarantee both internal security​ and robust border control.‌ Initial successes included a partial Israeli⁣ withdrawal and, crucially,‌ the ⁤return of hostages.

The pressure‌ reached its peak on Friday, October 3rd. Trump delivered a stark ultimatum via social media: Hamas had until Sunday evening to fully accept the plan,or face consequences of unprecedented⁣ severity – a “whirlwind of death and destruction.” Within hours, Hamas responded with a qualified acceptance.

Predictably, hardliners⁣ in both Israel ‌and Washington protested. They insisted on an all-or-nothing approach, arguing that Hamas’s refusal to disarm and relinquish its political ambitions was sufficient grounds to terminate negotiations.

Trump, though, dismissed thes objections. He framed Hamas’s partial acceptance​ as a significant​ step forward, immediately amplifying their message on social media⁤ and‌ even recording a ​congratulatory video from‌ the Oval office. When pressed by an Israeli reporter regarding the inclusion of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s future, his response was blunt: ‌”Do you want the hostages back‍ or not?” His patience ​with Netanyahu and his administration was visibly ⁢waning.

Instead of deploying ‍customary diplomatic channels ⁢- his Secretary of State ⁢or national Security advisor – Trump ⁢dispatched two individuals‌ he deeply trusted: his personal friend and conflict envoy, Steven Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, a key advisor during ‌his⁢ first term who ⁣had maintained a discreet presence since leaving office.

This was a deliberate rejection of established protocol. No career diplomats,‌ no cautious incrementalism. ​To achieve a breakthrough, ​Trump believed, ‍required breaking the rules, prioritizing personal relationships, and leveraging the power of his name, not simply the United States.

And, in fact, his ⁤intensely personal ⁤approach – cultivated relationships ⁣with both Netanyahu, the Emir of Qatar, and ⁢the Saudi Crown Prince‍ – proved instrumental​ in achieving an outcome few considered possible: Hamas yielded, pressured by its former ⁤Islamic allies, and Israel accepted an agreement that​ fell short of​ the total destruction of the ⁣group responsible for the recent devastating attacks.

The news was delivered by Marco Rubio at a White House meeting on wednesday,almost as an afterthought during⁣ a discussion on unrelated matters.A note‍ was passed around: “Very close. We need you ⁣to approve a publication. I‌ had ​to be the ⁤first to publish it. It was his⁤ achievement. He had achieved⁢ it.”

now, ‌the real work begins for the master​ dealmaker. Trump has inextricably linked‍ his name to this agreement. He has even appointed himself⁤ President of the Peace Council, the body tasked with ⁢overseeing the reconstruction of gaza. His‍ ultimate​ success will hinge on his ability ⁤to present a ‌lasting ⁤peace in the Middle East – a goal⁢ long ​considered unattainable – as a definitive, completed⁤ transaction.