MAKE or BREAK for Israel, Hamas & TRUMP /Lt Col Daniel Davis

Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed after Trump informed him that Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release framework. Netanyahu dismissed the news, prompting Trump to accuse him of being “too negative.” Analysts suggest Netanyahu resists peace because ending the war could threaten his political survival. Critics argue he’s using the hostages as a pretext to continue Israel’s military campaign and expand control over Gaza.

Netanyahu publicly claims Israel accepted Trump’s plan, which includes hostage release and a tactical Israeli withdrawal, but he’s added new conditions—insisting Hamas disarm first—effectively stalling peace. Observers note that if hostages were freed, Netanyahu would lose justification for ongoing military operations.

Colonel Daniel Davis and others argue Netanyahu and parts of Israel’s far-right government do not want a peace that allows Palestinians to remain or rebuild Gaza. They say Trump lacks real leverage and that both leaders are using the situation for political theater—Trump seeking a “Nobel Peace Prize” legacy, Netanyahu securing domestic power.

Hamas, meanwhile, faces devastation and limited options. Some suggest its best move would be to release all hostages and disarm completely—forcing Netanyahu either to honor the deal or expose his intent to destroy Gaza entirely. Macron recently noted Hamas’s fighting strength is roughly unchanged since October 2023, implying Israel’s campaign hasn’t weakened it but fueled further resistance.

Ultimately, commentators conclude that neither side appears ready to end the war, with Israel’s economic and territorial motives—especially control of Gaza’s gas reserves—keeping the conflict alive despite humanitarian catastrophe.