The current state of the Middle East marks a clear transformation from last year, largely attributed to Israel’s unwavering resolve and President Donald Trump’s focused use of American influence. With hostages now released and a fragile ceasefire in effect, an opportunity arises to advance President Trump’s 20-point peace plan. However, this process will not be straightforward and demands swift action along with consistent pressure on Hamas and its backers in Iran to ensure any chance of success.
Hamas did not consent to the initial terms of the peace plan out of a desire for peace; their acceptance was motivated by necessity. Since the ceasefire began, Hamas has resorted to oppressing its own populace, eliminating political dissenters, and instilling fear to maintain control. The organization’s leadership appears to be preparing for a resurgence, using the ceasefire to regroup rather than seeking genuine peace. This scenario is unacceptable, as Israel cannot revert to the conditions that allowed for the tragic events of October 7, and the United States risks losing the regained international standing and deterrence established by President Trump if this plan fails.
The primary objective now must be to disarm Hamas completely and eliminate its governance potential, which entails not just restricting access to weapons but dismantling their intricate tunnel systems and constructing a security framework to prevent any military resources from reaching Gaza. President Trump must uphold his commitment to these conditions to achieve lasting peace. Collaborating with partners from the Arab and Muslim world is imperative to meet these ends, requiring the U.S. to effectively unify the coalition and apply necessary pressures, particularly concerning supporters of Hamas such as Qatar and Turkey.
In the immediate and foreseeable future, it is critical to continue undermining Iran’s regime to prevent a resurgence of its influence and capabilities that threaten Israel. The success of this peace plan relies heavily on having previously weakened Iranian proxies and diminishing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The recent decline of Tehran’s power presents a significant opportunity, but without persistent pressure, the regime threatens to recover with assistance from allies like China and Russia. Reinstating the maximum pressure campaign, akin to that of the initial Trump administration, will be essential to hinder Iran’s capacity to spread terror and destabilize the region.
Furthermore, the groundwork for peace can be strengthened by fostering ties between Muslim nations and Israel. The Abraham Accords, which facilitated peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, serve as a successful template. By providing incentives for cooperation, the futility of conflict against Israel was showcased, highlighting the prosperous future that awaits nations willing to embrace peace. Confidence remains that the framework set by the accords can be expanded further, opening new avenues for collaboration.
Lastly, maintaining a firm “No Daylight” policy toward Israel is crucial. The Gaza peace initiative was feasible only through the unprecedented partnership between the U.S. and Israel. By empowering Israel to define its strategy in the conflict and backing it during pivotal moments, President Trump deviated from previous unsuccessful policies and demonstrated how strength can yield peace. This model can ultimately be used to broaden the Abraham Accords to include more countries in the region.
The United States and its allies now face a historic moment to reshape the Middle East positively, but the window for action is limited. Sustaining pressure on Hamas and its Iranian supporters will prove vital for the long-term viability of the peace plan. The journey ahead will be challenging, yet the resolve and leadership exhibited by both U.S. and Israeli governments provide ample reason for cautious optimism about achieving these goals.
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