Biden Steals Credit From Trump?
On Wednesday, President Biden celebrated a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, heralding it as a significant diplomatic achievement. The deal, which includes the release of American and Israeli hostages, is seen as a turning point in a conflict that has deeply impacted both American foreign policy and global security under Biden’s administration.
In a speech from the White House, Biden announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire, marking a key moment in a conflict that began with Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel in October 2023. The ceasefire also involves the release of prisoners, including Americans and Israelis, as well as Palestinian detainees held by Israel. This diplomatic breakthrough came after months of negotiations and growing pressure on Hamas, fueled by U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Biden praised the perseverance and hard work that led to the agreement. “The road to this deal has not been easy,” he remarked, highlighting the role of the United States in bringing Israel and Hamas to the table. He also stressed that the release of American hostages, expected to take place in the first phase of the agreement, was a major victory. Biden expressed his eagerness to welcome the hostages home and emphasized the importance of coordinated diplomacy in achieving the ceasefire.
However, Biden’s praise for the deal came amid growing Republican concerns over his handling of the conflict. While he was quick to take credit for the ceasefire, some have noted that the broader strategy regarding Hamas and Iran has been less clear, with President-elect Trump and his team already asserting that this achievement was made possible by the political shift that came with their election victory.
Indeed, Trump and his envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, were quick to claim credit for the successful negotiations. “This EPIC ceasefire could have only happened because of the historic victory we achieved in November,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump’s team had been involved in ongoing negotiations with leaders in Qatar, making their role in securing the deal undeniable.
For conservatives, the deal raises important questions about how future administrations will approach U.S. involvement in the Middle East. While Biden and his administration are celebrating the ceasefire, many Republicans are focused on ensuring that U.S. foreign policy prioritizes the safety of Americans and allies, and effectively counters terrorism.
As the agreement moves through Israel’s political process, with votes in both the Cabinet and the Knesset, the long-term implications for Gaza and its residents remain uncertain. While Biden has publicly called for peace and recovery, many Republicans are wary of any deal that may inadvertently empower groups like Hamas or contribute to further instability in the region.
In the end, whether this ceasefire can be sustained will depend not only on the details of the agreement but on the future leadership and commitment to ensuring that peace does not come at the expense of U.S. security interests or Israel’s right to defend itself.
