The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday ran an op-ed by Israel Hayom correspondent Ariel Kahana, titled, “Trump Forced Netanyahu to Make a Deal with the Devil.” Kahana argued that while some hostages may return home, Hamas will endure, increasing the likelihood of further Israeli and American casualties.
Kahana suggested that a better deal could have been secured if Jerusalem and Mar-a-Lago had waited just a few more days, but President-elect Trump’s insistence on finalizing an agreement before his January 20 inauguration pushed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into accepting the current framework.
The WSJ editorial board noted: “When a President elects to use it, American power is something to behold. That’s one lesson from the Israel-Hamas hostage deal reached Wednesday, with only days to spare before Donald Trump’s inauguration. It’s an echo of the U.S. hostages freed from Iran in the Reagan Presidency’s first minutes.”
It’s unclear whether Netanyahu attempted to persuade Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, to delay for a more favorable deal, but it’s evident that waiting would likely have led to better terms, Kahana wrote.
“Under the agreement, Hamas will be able to replenish its depleted ranks,” Kahana stated. “Seven hundred or more terrorists will go straight from Israeli prisons to the streets of Gaza. Many are sadistic killers who have spent their years behind bars dreaming of a return to the battlefield.”
Kahana also pointed out that the agreement reached on Wednesday would allow goods and fuel to flow into Gaza, which could help Hamas rebuild both its military and financial capacities. Hamas is known for using such resources to dig tunnels and carry out operations against IDF soldiers. The fuel provided could be used to enhance its underground network, preparing for future conflicts.
While the cease-fire is in effect and the IDF withdraws, Hamas is likely to rebuild quickly and resume its cross-border activities, using foreign aid to fund its operations, including recruiting young fighters.
“Many Israelis hoped that Mr. Trump would stop the madness and give Mr. Netanyahu the green light to crush Hamas once and for all. Instead, Mr. Trump pushed Mr. Netanyahu to accept a deal with the devil,” Kahana noted, concluding, “The Israeli prime minister should never have done it.”
