Incoming U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said Sunday that hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas are progressing because terror groups in Gaza are “terrified” by Donald Trump's warnings.
talk fox newsMr. Vance also shed light on what these threats actually mean.
“It means allowing Israel to destroy the last few battalions of Hamas and its leadership. It means very aggressive sanctions and financial penalties against those who support terrorist organizations in the Middle East. That means actually doing the job of American leadership,” Vance said of President Trump's comments in late December.
“We're hopeful that a deal will be reached near the end of the Biden administration, probably within the last day or two,” he said. “But I think it's because people are afraid that regardless of when that deal is concluded, there will be repercussions for Hamas.”
President-elect Trump has repeatedly warned Hamas of “hell in retribution” if Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip are not released by the time the president returns on January 20.
When asked recently by an American political commentator, Hugh Hewitt When asked to elaborate further, Trump replied: …But I don't think the words “stop” will come. I heard the word “don't” and while I can include that, it's only part of the story. …Those hostages have to go. They have to leave now. ”
talk to ABCOn Sunday's “This Week,” incoming U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Walz reiterated President Trump's warning that if he waits past Trump's inauguration to strike a deal, he will not be able to reach any terms with Hamas. He emphasized that this would only make things worse.
“Any deal will only make things worse for Hamas, and if it continues this kind of hostage diplomacy, it will pay a hell of a price in the Middle East,” Walz warned.
“Let's release the hostages. President Trump is serious, so he wants to see them walking on the tarmac, and he's hoping that at least some kind of agreement can be reached before he takes office.”
A high-level Israeli delegation has already arrived in Doha, Qatar, for important talks aimed at concluding an agreement.
Among the senior officials taking part are Mossad Director David Balnea, Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director Ronen Barr, Director of Military Intelligence Directorate of Missing and POW Division Maj. Gen. Nizan Alon, and the prime minister. Mr. Ophir Falk, political advisor to the Minister.
President Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Israel on Saturday in what was described as a “surprise visit” to discuss multilateral negotiations with Hamas to release Israeli hostages and build a ceasefire in Gaza.
After discussing the situation assessment by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the delegation was instructed to depart for Doha.
