The anarchist right made waves this week, but let’s not be mistaken, the broader strategic picture hasn’t changed. The gaffes of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and the stunt with the so-called “sovereignty” bill haven’t altered the course of events. They only reflect the ongoing struggle to shape a serious ruling elite on the right, despite nearly 50 years of electoral dominance.
Trump’s plan is being put into action. Most notable is the determination shown by the president, his team, and all relevant arms of the US government. Their resolve goes beyond stabilizing the ceasefire, they are committed to advancing step by step toward the primary goal: dismantling Hamas, or at the very least, disarming it. This process, and Trump and Netanyahu’s shared drive to pursue it, is what distinguishes their leadership amid the political turbulence engulfing both men – especially Netanyahu.
The basic coordination and understandings demonstrate that the Trump-Netanyahu alliance remains intact, despite comments from Trump and his allies, including David Vitkoff and Jared Kushner, suggesting that Israel is losing control. What opposition leaders and media commentators interpret as a “protectorate” or growing Israeli dependence on the US is, in fact, an unprecedented wartime partnership.
Netanyahu alongside Trump at the Knesset. Photo: AFP
We’re simply not used to seeing two countries – one a global superpower and the other a small, embattled state – operate as allies in a multifront war. The contrast is stark: one is a massive logistical and diplomatic powerhouse; the other is bearing the brunt of combat on multiple fronts and reshaping the Middle East in ways not seen in 80 years.
This provides a realistic basis to believe that the war could end with Hamas dismantled through a combination of diplomatic and military means. It’s not a fantasy, even if it’s hard for some to envision who will actually disarm Hamas on the ground. Within the Trump-Netanyahu team, Netanyahu has demonstrated how to build solutions from scratch – not from nothing, but by assembling disparate elements into executable plans, as seen with Hezbollah, Iran, and more. Trump has proven to be the “orange hammer” – tough when needed, whether confronting Iran’s nuclear program at Fordo or aligning the Arab-Muslim world behind a ceasefire and hostage releases.
Hamas terrorists. Photo: EPA EPA
As the dust settles, the facts on the ground become clearer. The IDF now control nearly 60 percent of the Gaza Strip, while the population remains crushed under Hamas’ murderous tyranny. For the past week, discussions have centered around investment and reconstruction in the quiet, Israeli-controlled part of Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas’ “Somali-style” enclave will remain stuck unless it is dismantled.
There’s no need to speculate about the timeline of Hamas’ collapse. The Islamist terrorist enterprise won’t simply disappear. Its backers will likely look to shift its operations to other spheres – including Europe, which has effectively become part of the Middle East, at least in political terms.
It’s understandable that the Saudis are hesitant to send troops into Gaza. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has no desire for soldiers to return home radicalized by Hamas’ ideology. But the idea of deploying Azerbaijani or Indonesian forces is a step in the right direction. Ultimately, transforming Gaza without Israel taking on direct governance of its population is a novel concept – one that hinges entirely on the commitment and tenacity of Trump and Netanyahu. America’s seriousness is reflected in the high-level airlift of officials – Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and later Senator Marco Rubio. They’re coming to signal that this time, they mean business.
