Netanyahu Trusts Trump on Gaza Peace Agreement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed full confidence in President Donald Trump’s commitment to the Gaza peace agreement, according to Caroline Glick, an adviser on international affairs. Glick shared with FOX News Digital that, “We have deep confidence in President Trump, his integrity, support for Israel, and leadership,” adding that they believe he will work alongside Netanyahu to ensure compliance from all parties involved.

She highlighted that Trump’s plan aims to empower Israel to dismantle Hamas, thereby preventing any future threats from Gaza. The second phase of the initiative intends to focus on deradicalizing the population in Gaza, following the demobilization and demilitarization of Hamas.

She also noted that Trump’s upcoming trip to Israel and Egypt is significant—it’s something like a whirlwind approach, but importantly, he’s returning quickly to the White House afterward.

Glick emphasized the options at hand: “As both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have said, this can be achieved the easy way: peaceful compliance with the agreement, or the hard way with further military operations in Gaza.” She believes there’s room to maneuver here, but the choice ultimately rests with the parties involved.

The International Stabilization Force (ISF) will collaborate with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for security purposes, under the oversight of a peace commission led by President Trump.

According to Article 9 of the agreement, Gaza is set to be governed temporarily by an apolitical Palestinian commission, which will manage local governance and public services. This commission will consist of qualified Palestinian and international experts and operate under the watchful eyes of this new peace commission.

The commission is tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza and its financing until the Palestinian Authority reforms successfully and is equipped to govern autonomously, in accordance with the broader 2020 Peace Plan proposed by Trump and additional insights from Saudi Arabia and France.

General Amir Abibi, the chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, mentioned that Israeli forces had secured about 80% of the Gaza Strip before retreating to a designated area. This strategic position, he noted, pressured Hamas into agreeing to a ceasefire.

“This withdrawal enables Israel to maintain oversight of about 53% of the Gaza Strip, including crucial areas like the Philadelphia Corridor,” he stated, mentioning it provides the IDF with the advantage of high ground for better protection of Israeli towns.

Yet concerns linger. Experts caution that Trump’s peace plan could merely serve as a temporary pause, potentially leaving room for future Hamas threats.

Abibi explained that Hamas’s capacity to smuggle weapons through Egypt has been significantly curtailed due to the changes on the ground. However, Trump’s comprehensive plan also lays out provisions for future withdrawals that would place the IDF in control of a security buffer zone.

Brigadier General Yossi Kuperwasser noted that controlling areas like the Philadelphia Corridor can hinder Hamas’s ability to rearm as humanitarian aid flows into Gaza. He emphasized the need for strict checks on humanitarian shipments to prevent weapon smuggling.

Article 7 of the agreement requires immediate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, aligning with an earlier agreement made in January, which aims to repair vital infrastructure.

Kuperwasser added that these adjustments would allow the military to defend Israel while avoiding direct involvement with Gaza’s civilian population until Hamas is fully removed from power.

The agreement also stipulates that Hamas must return all remaining hostages to Israel—whether living or deceased—by Monday. In return, Israel will release a number of Palestinian security prisoners, including some who have committed serious offenses.

Kuperwasser warned that among those being released could be individuals with violent histories. “It’s natural to be concerned,” he said, acknowledging the risks involved. “While we have managed to avoid the release of the ‘highest crime,’ some released individuals may still pose a serious threat.” Hence, this exchange is viewed as a costly but perhaps necessary step.

Let. Maj. Gen. Yaakov Amidrol, a former security adviser, opined that the situation post-ceasefire is intricate. He remarked that key issues in the agreement remain vague, such as disarmament protocols and monitoring mechanisms.

Amidrol highlighted the absence of clarity in essential aspects, urging a significant diplomatic effort to solidify responsibilities and close any gaps. His ultimate concern? Disarming Hamas and uprooting its authority in Gaza, which he identifies as critical for Israel’s objective.