President-elect Donald Trump's influence has been pivotal in securing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as his assertive diplomacy pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into accepting the peace deal.

Trump's looming presidency and strong diplomatic stance were crucial in reviving and finalizing the stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas, overcoming significant domestic challenges that Netanyahu faced while working with Biden's team, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Following Trump's victory in the November election, he committed the United States to act decisively in its own interests if a peace agreement was not in place by his presidential inauguration scheduled for Jan. 20.

This announcement put both diplomatic and military pressure on both Hamas and Israel, signaling potential consequences for the broader Middle East landscape.

Trump's Warning Intensifies Pressure

In a stern warning, Trump declared that if hostages were not returned promptly, the situation would escalate dramatically in the region. His statement threatened to bring "all hell" in the Middle East, pressuring both parties to hasten negotiations toward a ceasefire.

As Israel relied heavily on U.S. military support, Netanyahu faced an intensified push to reach an accord. Despite resistance from right-wing factions within his government, this international pressure could not be ignored.

For over a year, Netanyahu had managed to skirt around negotiation efforts introduced by President Joe Biden's administration. However, the involvement of Trump's team, with its direct and business-like approach, breathed new life into the discussions.

Diplomatic Efforts Bolstered by Trump's Team

A team led by Steve Witkoff, whom Trump appointed as a special envoy, was instrumental in the process. Witkoff, alongside Qatari and Egyptian officials, mediated discussions, emphasizing Trump's determined stance. He remarked, "Trump gives us substantial authority to speak on his behalf, suggesting that compliance was non-negotiable."

The assertive diplomacy of Trump marked the first time substantial pressure was applied on the Israeli government to concede to a deal.

An anonymous diplomat in the Washington Post acknowledged the new dynamic, while a source in the Financial Times credited the shift to Trump's influence and Witkoff's strategic coordination.

Last-Minute Shift Before Biden's Exit

The significance of Trump’s contribution to the negotiations was formally recognized by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who noted the critical input of Trump's team with only five days left of President Biden's term. According to Miller, the intervention by Trump's advisors was vital in breaking the deadlock.

Meanwhile, Israel faces additional regional challenges in Lebanon. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached on Nov. 27, the Israeli Defense Forces have been sluggish in their withdrawal from southern Lebanon, leading the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to stress Israel's violation of U.N. Resolution 1701.

Challenges in Lebanon Add Complexity

The responsibility of monitoring the peace deal in Lebanon was assigned to the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese Army.

However, Israel's desire for further U.S. involvement in Lebanon underscores the delicate relationship between regional peace and international diplomacy.

The potential risks to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and the violation of international mandates add layers to the ongoing peace efforts. Trump's team cautioned against any actions that might compromise the fragile peace in the region.

Conclusion Reflects on Diplomatic Dynamics

In revisiting the significance of Trump's involvement, it becomes evident that his administration aimed to leave a lasting imprint on Middle Eastern diplomacy. The approach of Trump’s team -- characterized by firmness and strategic insistence—enabled a turning point in the discussions, contrasting prior diplomatic efforts under Biden.

As Trump's presidency looms, the pressure placed on Netanyahu has become a defining factor in achieving progress. As the region continues to navigate tenuous peace, the legacy of these diplomatic interventions remains uncertain, yet undeniably impactful.

In reflecting upon these developments, the upcoming transition presents both challenges and opportunities for all parties involved. The unfolding dynamics suggest a requisite for sustained engagement, ensuring that the current agreements hold and foster long-term stability.