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| All 20 living hostages returned to Israel (TOI) |
What made this event even more amazing is what came along
with it: Hamas is required to disarm. And if they don’t, the president has
promised to make it happen—violently, if necessary. And if they think the
president makes idle threats, I have one word for them: Fordow. I don’t
think they believe he’s bluffing.
The deal includes an international peacekeeping force that,
for the first time, will not consist of UN troops. Who in the past have
been far more sympathetic to Israel’s mortal enemies than to Israel itself.
This will be a multinational force that includes American troops.
That is the basis for the ceasefire, which will hopefully be
permanent - for the first time since Hamas took over Gaza. Another plus is that
the deal has the support of key Arab states and much of Europe, including
nations that have not been particularly friendly to Israel, such as Turkey.
I managed to watch most of the president’s address to the
Knesset. It was preceded by speeches from three Israeli politicians: the
Speaker of the Knesset, Yair Lapid representing the opposition, and Prime
Minister Netanyahu. All of them represented their nation with great eloquence.
Despite the obvious and often rancorous disagreements between them.
With respect to Trump and Netanyahu, it was, in many ways, a
mutual admiration society. The respect the president and the prime minister had
for each other was obvious. One of the president’s comments about Netanyahu was
that ‘he’s not easy to negotiate with’. That was followed by, ‘That’s what
makes him a great leader.’
Enmity between the two? Hardly. Trump just asked Israeli
President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, with the remark, ‘Cigars and
champagne? Who cares?’
The entire Knesset event was a celebration of what the
president accomplished. Something all the speakers seemed to believe would
eventually lead to a true peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors,
beginning with the Abraham Accords. It envisions a Gaza free of Hamas, a
restoration of homes and infrastructure, and economic development funded by a
consortium of wealthy Arab nations. This would give Palestinians in Gaza a
measure of self-determination. But the words “Palestinian state” were notably
absent. As mentioned, the deal was agreed to by important Arab states.
The idea that Netanyahu was forced by Trump to accept a deal
he didn’t want is laughable. Something only the most cynical anti-Netanyahu
critics would suggest. Always anxious to show discord and disunity between the
two. The way each of them described their relationship makes it clear that
nothing of the sort happened. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say Trump was
able to quickly convince Netanyahu that he would get what he wanted under the
deal. And only then did Netanyahu agree.
If I understand correctly, Trump will be receiving the
Israel Prize by near-unanimous agreement of the Knesset. That he did not
receive the Nobel Peace Prize for what he has accomplished - while Obama got it
for accomplishing exactly nothing - says more about the Nobel Committee in Oslo
than it does about either Trump or Obama.
What will history say about Netanyahu? Despite what his
detractors might think, I believe he will go down as one of Israel’s most
consequential leaders. First, by steering his nation away from its socialist
roots and turning it into one of the most productive free-market economies (per
capita) in the world. And perhaps more importantly, through his victories over
Israel’s most implacable enemies he may usher in the longed-for peace Israel
has sought since its creation. If that happens, it will be the most pivotal
moment in Israel’s history since 1948.
All that being said, the optimism I feel depends on whether
Hamas truly disarms. If they don’t, the deal allows Israel to go right back in
and finish the job. But they may not have to. Since the president has been
assured that Hamas will disarm under the threat that - if they don’t - the U.S.
will force them to. Violently, if necessary. (Maybe that’s what Trump meant by
“Hell to pay.”)
As always, the devil is in the details. But either way,
things are looking pretty good right now. Who’d a thunk it a few weeks ago?
Comments to this post can be made at Emes Ve-Emunah II where it is cross-posted
