As President Joe Biden’s administration pushed for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in the closing weeks of his term, an unexpected partner emerged: President-elect Donald Trump.
The White House announced in late November a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. President Biden viewed the deal as a crucial step toward promoting broader peace in the Middle East, which faced escalating risks of regional conflict following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
According to a senior Biden administration official, Trump’s national security team was briefed on the negotiations and the commitments being made. While the Trump team did not directly participate in the talks, their awareness of the discussions was deemed vital for ensuring continuity in U.S. foreign policy.
Amos Hochstein, Biden’s special envoy to the Middle East, confirmed discussions with Florida Representative Mike Waltz, Trump’s designated National Security Advisor, to ensure a "seamless transition." Waltz also met with Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan.
Observers see this coordination as a rare example of bipartisan cooperation during a transitional period often marked by uncertainty. Alexander Ward, an analyst for The Wall Street Journal, called it a "unique instance of alignment," highlighting how the deal could benefit both leaders.
"For Biden, a foreign policy success shapes his legacy as he exits office in January. For Trump, it eliminates a potential global crisis he would otherwise inherit," Ward noted.
Representative Waltz credited Trump for the deal’s success. "The ceasefire happened because of President-elect Donald Trump. His resounding victory sent a clear message to the world that chaos will no longer be tolerated," Waltz wrote on X.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, praised the Biden administration’s efforts while also highlighting Trump’s role. "I appreciate President Biden’s hard work, supported by President Trump, in making this ceasefire a reality," Graham said.
Experts agree that the Biden administration played a critical role in brokering the agreement, but Trump’s influence on Israeli decision-making was likely significant. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held at least three phone calls following the U.S. election. Additionally, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in early November to discuss the Israel-Hezbollah negotiations. Trump reportedly supported the plan and agreed the deal should be finalized before his inauguration on January 20, 2025, according to Israeli officials.
A senior Biden administration official emphasized the importance of concluding the ceasefire promptly to save lives on both sides. "Completing the agreement now, rather than later, is critical," the official stated.
Michael C. Desch, a security expert from Notre Dame’s International Security Center, noted that Netanyahu likely recognized the futility of completely dismantling Hezbollah and saw the ceasefire as an opportunity to stabilize the situation before Israel faced additional pressures in Gaza. By reaching a deal with Hezbollah, Netanyahu could buy time until Trump’s administration begins in two months.
Biden and Trump also share a common interest in advancing Israel’s normalization efforts in the Middle East. Both leaders are committed to brokering a landmark agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which would include U.S. security guarantees for Riyadh.
The White House emphasized that Trump’s team would be closely informed and included in the ongoing Middle East peace efforts. "We won’t do anything without ensuring they know exactly what we are doing," a Biden administration official stated.
(According to WSJ, Time, AP)
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