Thank God - They Are Finally Home

All 20 living hostages returned to Israel (TOI)

All the living hostages kidnapped and so brutally treated under captivity by Hamas terrorists have been freed, thanks to the valiant efforts of President Trump and his negotiating team. No one believed it would happen. Least of all Netanyahu’s critics (in both Israel and the U.S.), who believed he couldn’t care less about the lives of the hostages and was only interested in prolonging the war to retain power. They have all been proven wrong.

What made this event even more amazing is what came along with it: Hamas is required to disarm. And if they don’t, the president has promised to make it happen—violently, if necessary. And if they think the president makes idle threats, I have one word for them: Fordow. I don’t think they believe he’s bluffing.

The deal includes an international peacekeeping force that, for the first time, will not consist of UN troops. Who in the past have been far more sympathetic to Israel’s mortal enemies than to Israel itself. This will be a multinational force that includes American troops.

That is the basis for the ceasefire, which will hopefully be permanent - for the first time since Hamas took over Gaza. Another plus is that the deal has the support of key Arab states and much of Europe, including nations that have not been particularly friendly to Israel, such as Turkey.

I managed to watch most of the president’s address to the Knesset. It was preceded by speeches from three Israeli politicians: the Speaker of the Knesset, Yair Lapid representing the opposition, and Prime Minister Netanyahu. All of them represented their nation with great eloquence. Despite the obvious and often rancorous disagreements between them.

With respect to Trump and Netanyahu, it was, in many ways, a mutual admiration society. The respect the president and the prime minister had for each other was obvious. One of the president’s comments about Netanyahu was that ‘he’s not easy to negotiate with’. That was followed by, ‘That’s what makes him a great leader.’

Enmity between the two? Hardly. Trump just asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, with the remark, ‘Cigars and champagne? Who cares?’

The entire Knesset event was a celebration of what the president accomplished. Something all the speakers seemed to believe would eventually lead to a true peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors, beginning with the Abraham Accords. It envisions a Gaza free of Hamas, a restoration of homes and infrastructure, and economic development funded by a consortium of wealthy Arab nations. This would give Palestinians in Gaza a measure of self-determination. But the words “Palestinian state” were notably absent. As mentioned, the deal was agreed to by important Arab states.

The idea that Netanyahu was forced by Trump to accept a deal he didn’t want is laughable. Something only the most cynical anti-Netanyahu critics would suggest. Always anxious to show discord and disunity between the two. The way each of them described their relationship makes it clear that nothing of the sort happened. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say Trump was able to quickly convince Netanyahu that he would get what he wanted under the deal. And only then did Netanyahu agree.

If I understand correctly, Trump will be receiving the Israel Prize by near-unanimous agreement of the Knesset. That he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize for what he has accomplished - while Obama got it for accomplishing exactly nothing - says more about the Nobel Committee in Oslo than it does about either Trump or Obama.

What will history say about Netanyahu? Despite what his detractors might think, I believe he will go down as one of Israel’s most consequential leaders. First, by steering his nation away from its socialist roots and turning it into one of the most productive free-market economies (per capita) in the world. And perhaps more importantly, through his victories over Israel’s most implacable enemies he may usher in the longed-for peace Israel has sought since its creation. If that happens, it will be the most pivotal moment in Israel’s history since 1948.

All that being said, the optimism I feel depends on whether Hamas truly disarms. If they don’t, the deal allows Israel to go right back in and finish the job. But they may not have to. Since the president hasbeen assured that Hamas will disarm under the threat that - if they don’t - the U.S. will force them to. Violently, if necessary. (Maybe that’s what Trump meant by “Hell to pay.”)

As always, the devil is in the details. But either way, things are looking pretty good right now. Who’d a thunk it a few weeks ago?