President Donald Trump has indicated that he might permit Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume military operations in Gaza should Hamas fail to honor the ceasefire agreement. Speaking to CNN, Trump stated that Israeli forces could be mobilized “as soon as I say the word.”
In a brief phone interview, Trump expressed confidence that the situation with Hamas would be resolved swiftly. His remarks followed accusations from Israel against Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization, of not complying with the terms to release hostages, both living and deceased, as part of the ceasefire deal.
When asked about his potential actions, Trump said, “I think about it. Israel will return to those streets as soon as I say the word. If Israel could go in and knock the crap out of them, they’d do that.”
The president mentioned that he had to restrain the Israeli Defense Forces and Netanyahu’s administration, noting, “I had it out with Bibi.”
Despite the tensions, Trump appeared optimistic about the long-term prospects for peace, especially with the backing of other regional countries.
The president, though, was clearly feeling positive about long-term prospects for peace, particularly given the strong support of other countries in the region.
“Fifty-nine countries are part of this,” he said of the ceasefire deal, apparently referring to those countries who attended a ceremony in Egypt to sign a document of high-level principles titled the “Trump Peace Agreement” or expressed statements of support.
“We’ve never seen anything like this. Now it’s all happening. They want to be part of the Abraham Accords. Now that Iran isn’t a problem.”
