In a recent development that could potentially reshape the Middle East's geopolitical landscape, Israeli media has unveiled details of a possible U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and the ruling authorities in Gaza.
If this materializes, it would be a significant achievement for President Donald Trump, fulfilling a dream that has eluded every U.S. President since Jimmy Carter. The question that remains is whether Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can successfully execute this ambitious plan.
According to the Western Journal, the ceasefire plan was first reported by Israel Hayom. It outlined a series of "fundamental principles" agreed upon by Trump and Netanyahu to address the conflict that erupted following the terror attacks on October 7, 2023.
The conversation between the two leaders, which occurred after America's successful strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, also involved U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. The source revealed that all participants were in a state of "euphoria" over the successful attack and then shifted their focus to the situation in Gaza.
The proposed plan consists of five key points, as reported by Israel Hayom. The potential impact of this plan is monumental and is largely attributed to the Trump administration's efforts. "Concurrently, two diplomatic sources informed Israel Hayom about substantial American presidential pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to conclude the Strip operations," the outlet reported. This pressure reportedly began prior to the strikes on Iran by Israel or the United States.
Despite earlier disagreements between Trump and Netanyahu over the ceasefire, both sides appear to remain committed to the plan. However, it's important to note that this plan presents both opportunities and challenges for conservatives.
The most significant victory is the potential for either the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, or both to administer Gaza. This is seen as the only viable solution if Israel is to avoid a permanent presence in the strip.
Since 2006, Gaza's self-governance has been a failure, with Hamas using the territory as a launching pad for attacks on Israel. The involvement of the UAE and Egypt, both stable governments, could prevent this from happening in the future.
Another positive aspect is the acceptance of Gazan emigration by other countries. This would allow those affected by the conflict to start anew in a different country. Furthermore, the expansion of the Abraham Accords, especially if it involves Saudi Arabia and Syria, is seen as a significant win.
However, there are aspects of the plan that conservatives may find concerning. The two-state concept, which has been around for over 30 years, has not improved the situation; instead, it has worsened. Even with the UAE and Egypt administering Gaza, this could be seen as rewarding Hamas and the Palestinian Authority for their acts of terrorism.
The limited sovereignty for Israel in Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank, fails to acknowledge how Israel acquired these territories during the Six-Day War. Lastly, the plan does not fully eliminate Hamas; it merely exiles its leaders, leaving the possibility of their return.
As the Rolling Stones famously sang, "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find that you get what you need." If this is what it takes to broker a deal, then it's a necessary compromise. It's a strategy that previous leaders, including Carter, Clinton, and George W. Bush, have attempted and failed.
This plan presents a tangible framework that could yield real results. The challenge lies in its complete implementation. As the world watches, the question remains: can this ambitious plan be fully realized?
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