Trump Backs Away from Gaza War, Greenlights Netanyahu’s Final Strike on Hamas
As Israel escalates its Gaza offensive and abandons ceasefire hopes, Trump must decide whether to re-engage or continue a hands-off approach that has empowered Netanyahu’s military strategy.
Watan-In a report by The New York Times, journalist Michael Crowley highlighted that many analysts expected President Trump to withdraw from involvement in the Gaza conflict before his upcoming trip to the Middle East—but now, he must decide how to respond.
When Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in early April, a reporter reminded him that his 2024 campaign promise to end the Gaza war remained unfulfilled. At that time, Israel had just violated a fragile ceasefire in its 18-month war with Hamas and resumed bombing Gaza. Still, Trump expressed optimism.
“I’d like to see the war end. And I believe it will end sometime—not too far from now,” he said.
A month later, hopes for peace in Gaza appear even dimmer.
On Monday, Netanyahu warned of an “intensified” Israeli escalation in Gaza after his security cabinet approved plans to call up tens of thousands of reservists for a renewed offensive.
Trump’s Disengagement Fuels Netanyahu’s Push for Final Blow in Gaza
Israeli hardliners argue that only military force can pressure Hamas to release over 20 hostages and end the war. But analysts say a major escalation could destroy any remaining chance of peace.
Now, all eyes are on Trump’s reaction.
Analysts noted that after an initial wave of diplomacy aimed at freeing hostages and reaching a long-term settlement, Trump and his top officials became distracted, granting Netanyahu what many describe as near-total freedom of action.
“At the start of the administration, there were big promises regarding Gaza,” said Ilan Goldenberg, a Middle East expert under both Obama and Biden. “But when the ceasefire collapsed, Trump gave the Israelis the green light to do what they wanted.”
Goldenberg, now a senior vice president at the liberal Jewish group J Street, added, “He seems pretty disengaged. A bit bored, frankly.”
Trump is scheduled to visit the Middle East next week, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. A major escalation in Gaza would complicate the trip and highlight Trump’s failure to deliver the peace he promised.
Still, Trump may welcome Israeli talk of a final, crushing blow to Hamas. Netanyahu reportedly told him that his military commanders believe they are entering the “final stages” of the war.
Trump may also tolerate Israel’s excessive use of force. He recently warned Hamas that the “gates of hell” would open if it didn’t release the remaining hostages.
Michael Makovsky, CEO of the hawkish Jewish Institute for National Security of America, agreed Trump has been less involved than Biden in managing Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
Trump Shifts Focus from Gaza as U.S. Role in War Diminishes
The report notes that President Biden and his team had spent considerable effort after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks to manage Israel’s war and reduce civilian suffering—even as critics accused them of being too lenient.
While Trump has expressed some concern for Gaza’s civilians, stating Monday that he would help “get some food in” amid Israel’s blockade, his interest has been inconsistent.
“It’s night and day compared to the Biden administration,” said Makovsky, adding that Israeli officials “aren’t getting phone calls. I don’t think anyone is pressuring them about how many aid trucks are getting in.”
According to Axios, Israel plans to launch another ground invasion in Gaza if no agreement with Hamas is reached before Trump returns from his trip. Makovsky, who recently attended meetings with senior Israeli officials, confirmed this understanding.
Trump’s attention has also shifted toward emerging diplomacy aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
In a Monday statement, National Security Council spokesman Bryan Hughes said Trump “remains committed to ensuring the immediate release of hostages and ending Hamas rule in Gaza,” adding, “Hamas bears sole responsibility for this war and the resumption of hostilities.”
Another sign of waning U.S. involvement is the changing role of Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Initially engaged in Israeli-Hamas diplomacy, Witkoff now acts as a multi-tasking envoy—also handling the Iran file and meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin four times regarding Ukraine.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, newly appointed by Trump as National Security Advisor, has yet to visit Israel, underscoring Washington’s current detachment from the war.
