Israel’s Netanyahu Undercuts Biden Admin, Credits Trump For Gaza Peace Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted his strained relationship with outgoing President Joe Biden's administration by commending President-elect Donald Trump for facilitating a peace deal between Israel and Hamas.

The agreement comes over a year after a surprise attack by Hamas fighters resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 Israelis and the capture of hundreds.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his assistance in advancing the release of the hostages and for helping Israel bring an end to the suffering of dozens of hostages and their families,” Netanyahu’s official account posted on X.

This post was shared just hours before President Biden’s farewell address, during which he appeared to take credit for the deal despite his administration’s criticism of Israel’s handling of the conflict over the past year.

State Department representative Matthew Miller acknowledged the critical role of Trump’s team in the negotiations, according to a transcript of his remarks.

“Now, when it comes to the involvement of President-elect Trump’s team, it has been absolutely critical in getting this deal over the line,” Miller stated. “And it’s been critical because, obviously, as I stand here today, this administration’s term in office will expire in five days.”

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President-elect Trump addressed the ceasefire agreement on his Truth Social platform.

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” Trump wrote.

“With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!” Trump added.

“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!” the president-elect concluded.

Reports from international sources emphasized the effectiveness of Trump’s team compared to the Biden administration during the crisis.

“A ‘tense’ weekend meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff led to a breakthrough in the hostage negotiations, with the top aide to US President-elect Donald Trump doing more to sway the premier in a single sit-down than outgoing President Joe Biden did all year, two Arab officials told The Times of Israel on Tuesday,” the outlet reported.