Staff Reports
The saga of international diplomacy recently took an unexpected twist, highlighted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s affectionate shout-out to President-elect Donald Trump. As Biden’s frosty relationship with Israel limps toward its end, Netanyahu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Trump for his pivotal role in orchestrating a deal aimed at releasing hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023. It’s almost poetic how the former president is basking in the glow of peace negotiations as Biden prepares to exit stage left.
Netanyahu shared his appreciation through a post on X, which conveniently cropped up just ahead of Biden’s farewell address, presumably a parting gift adorned with the kind of political irony one could only hope for. It is a clear indication that the newly elected Trump is already impacting international affairs, while the sitting president struggles to manage his own approval ratings. It seems many leaders, perhaps even Netanyahu himself, are eager to return to the days when peace was synonymous with Trump’s presidency.
The role of Trump and his team was even acknowledged by a representative from the State Department, who pointed out that their involvement was “absolutely critical” to the recent deal. Predictably, this realization comes five days before the Biden administration finishes packing its bags, further adding insult to injury for the current leadership. The acknowledgment is a stark reminder of how dramatically different diplomatic landscapes can be, depending on who is steering the ship.
The intricacies of the deal, which boasts three phases, not only provide a roadmap for hostage releases but also allow for cooperation with the U.N. to oversee Gaza’s governance. This is an especially rich turn of events, considering the mess Biden’s administration made of international relations. The first phase is set to kick off with the release of women, children, and senior citizens from Hamas, coupled with an Israeli release of prisoners. It’s reminiscent of making a deal with a schoolchild, except this schoolyard bully holds hostages.
Netanyahu Humiliates Biden Hours Before POTUS Farewell Address, Tells Unvarnished Truth About Who Got Hostage Deal Done: Netanyahu made the strategic move just 4 hours before Biden was set to go on TV and brag. https://t.co/Grdn8sBCBw pic.twitter.com/iu3q8okG9t
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) January 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump’s enthusiastic response on Truth Social harkens back to his signature style of self-promotion, claiming that this “EPIC ceasefire agreement” showcases the fruits of his “Historic Victory” from November. He declares that the world is witnessing the benefits of his policies even in his absence. If anyone thought Trump would fade into the background after stepping out of the Oval Office, they clearly underestimated his flair for showmanship. He insists that continued efforts against terrorism will prevent Gaza from becoming a safe haven for radicalism—something the last administration seemingly neglected.
As the world watches, it’s hard not to wonder how history will remember this moment. With the winds of change blowing favorably for Trump, Netanyahu’s warm regard for him underscores the glaring contrast between decisive leadership and a current administration attempting to grasp control as it backs away from the stage. The stage is set for a potential Trump comeback, and perhaps a resurgence of American strength on the global scene. The unraveling of Biden’s presidency may just serve as a prologue to a new chapter in foreign policy guided by the more assertive style of his predecessor.
