(JNS) Dr. Dan Diker - The agreement mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump signals a remarkable demonstration of strategic leverage. The Trump team has drawn in key Arab states, including Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, aligning their national interests with Washington's broader vision of regional stabilization. Each of these states ultimately used its influence to apply sustained pressure on Hamas. After two years of conflict and hostage negotiations, Hamas's central tool of extortion - its control over hostages, both living and deceased - has been effectively neutralized. Arab capitals now understand that Israel possesses not only the technological and human capabilities to defend itself, but also the strategic will to eliminate its enemies anywhere, at any time. This deal marks the first time in decades that key Arab nations have acted as enforcers of regional stability. It is a shift born of necessity and mutual interest - a recognition that the Iranian-led "axis of resistance" threatens Sunni regimes as much as it threatens Israel. It has vindicated Netanyahu's long-standing argument that peace with the Arab world need not depend on Palestinian statehood, but on shared interests and common threats. Yet, Israel has learned through decades of experience that neither Hamas nor the PLO has ever honored written agreements beyond their immediate interests. The writer is president of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs.
2025-10-16 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive