President-elect Donald Trump’s direct influence was instrumental in securing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, set to begin taking effect this weekend.

Trump and his team members applied heavy pressure on both sides, warning that the U.S. would take a strong stance if peace was not reached before inauguration day, as the Washington Examiner reports, doing what the Biden administration appeared unable to do alone.

Following his victory in the November election, Trump made it clear that the U.S. would act decisively to protect its interests in the Middle East.

"All hell will break out. If those hostages aren’t back, I don’t want to hurt your negotiation," Trump warned. "If they’re not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East." This warning, which was seen as a threat to Hamas, also raised concerns among Israeli officials about the consistency of U.S. support for Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel found himself under intense pressure from the right-wing factions within his government, which were adamantly opposed to any peace deal that might be viewed as a concession.

For over a year, Netanyahu avoided direct negotiations with President Joe Biden, focusing instead on maintaining Israel’s relationship with the outgoing Trump administration. However, Trump's approach to diplomacy -- centered on U.S. interests—forced Netanyahu to reconsider his stance and accept the terms of a ceasefire.

Trump’s Middle East Team Plays a Key Role in Agreement

Trump’s Middle East team, led by his special envoy Steve Witkoff, played a crucial role in mediating the agreement. Witkoff, alongside officials from Qatar and Egypt, was tasked with pressuring both Israel and Hamas into accepting a ceasefire. Trump’s team used a tough, uncompromising tone, with Witkoff noting that Trump gave them the authority to speak emphatically on his behalf. "You better do this," Witkoff recalled being told to say in negotiations.

A diplomat familiar with the situation noted that this was the first time there had been significant pressure on Israel to accept a deal.

Trump’s businesslike approach to diplomacy, which prioritized realpolitik over traditional alliances, helped revive stalled negotiations and forced Netanyahu to cooperate. In doing so, Trump’s team ensured that both Israel and Hamas were pushed toward an agreement.

Challenges Remain in the Region Even After Prior Ceasefire

Even with the ceasefire in place, challenges remained in the region. In Lebanon, Israel faced continued difficulties in implementing a ceasefire agreement that had been signed in late November 2020.

Israeli forces were slow to withdraw from southern Lebanon, despite an agreement that granted jurisdiction over the area to the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Lebanese Army's delayed deployment and Israel’s insistence on holding its position in the region created tensions.

UNIFIL took steps to secure the area and dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure, but these efforts were complicated by Hezbollah’s continued presence in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials argued that the group’s remnants justified their ongoing military operations. However, this was met with criticism from the international community.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned Israeli military operations in the area, stating that they violated U.N. Resolution 1701. "The continued occupation by the Israel [military] inside the UNIFIL area operations and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory are violations of Resolution 1701," Guterres said. Despite the tensions, the U.S. warned Israel against jeopardizing the ceasefire by complicating the situation in Lebanon.

Trump’s Influence Continues to Shape Middle East Diplomacy

Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, confirmed that Trump’s team played a critical role in ensuring that the new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came to fruition. The Trump administration also exerted influence in Lebanon, warning Israel not to undermine the ceasefire there. These diplomatic efforts showed that Trump’s approach to foreign policy was centered on securing tangible results, even if it meant using pressure to drive progress.

The ceasefire agreement marked a significant diplomatic victory for Trump and his team, but the ongoing instability in the region highlighted the challenges that lay ahead. The success of the agreement, however, demonstrated the potency of U.S. diplomacy when it acted decisively and with a clear focus on protecting American interests.

Looking Forward to U.S. Influence After Trump’s Inauguration

As Trump prepared to assume office, the future of U.S. involvement in the Middle East remained uncertain. While the ceasefire deal was a significant achievement, its long-term success would depend on the ability of both Israel and Hamas to uphold the terms of the agreement. Additionally, the situation in Lebanon would continue to test the diplomatic resolve of the U.S. and its allies.

For Netanyahu, the deal marked a pivotal moment in Israeli politics, balancing pressure from the right with the need for international support. As the Trump administration shifted to the Biden administration, it remained to be seen how U.S. policy would evolve in the Middle East and how the ceasefire would hold up under new diplomatic leadership.

With tensions remaining high in the region, Trump’s influence had already reshaped the landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy, but the next chapter was just beginning. As the new U.S. administration took office, the question of how to maintain peace in the region -- and how U.S. diplomacy would evolve—remained one of the most pressing concerns for leaders worldwide.