Netanyahu Hails Gaza Deal as Victory, but Trump’s Influence Looms Large

In a move that has been touted as a major breakthrough, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly endorsed a nascent agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions in Gaza. However, behind the scenes, it appears that the real driving force behind this development was none other than US President Donald Trump, who has been exerting significant pressure on Netanyahu to secure a deal.While Netanyahu was quick to claim credit for the agreement, sources close to the negotiations suggest that the Israeli leader's hands were largely tied by Trump's unwavering stance on the issue. The emerging deal, which is expected to bring a measure of calm to the Gaza Strip, has been hailed by Netanyahu as a major personal victory. But observers can't help but wonder whether the Israeli prime minister's enthusiasm for the agreement is genuinely heartfelt or simply a calculated attempt to appease his powerful US counterpart.The agreement, which has been months in the making, is seen as a critical step towards preventing a wider conflict in the region. But with Trump's influence casting a long shadow over the negotiations, some have raised concerns about the potential long-term implications of this deal. Critics argue that by embracing this agreement, Netanyahu may be inadvertently legitimizing Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, and paving the way for future concessions that could undermine Israel's security.Despite these concerns, Netanyahu has been keen to trumpet the deal as a major achievement, one that showcases his diplomatic prowess and commitment to securing a peaceful resolution to the Gaza crisis. But as the details of the agreement begin to emerge, it is becoming increasingly clear that Trump's hand has been guiding the process all along. Whether Netanyahu's gamble will ultimately pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the dynamics of the US-Israel relationship have never been more complicated.