In accepting Gaza truce proposal, is Hamas setting 'trap' for boxed-in Netanyahu?
Is Hamas really hoping that Israel rejects a deal and goes ahead with the Gaza City offensive, resulting in its further international isolation?
TEL AVIV — As Israel continues to assess Hamas' response to the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal, a senior diplomatic source confirmed to Al-Monitor that President Donald Trump is considering a mid-September visit to Israel, but stressed that it will only take place if a deal is reached.
How much are Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu coordinating on completing an agreement with Hamas? It's hard to say.
But there is reason to suggest they could be working in tandem.
On June 12, as rumors of an imminent Israeli attack on Iran swirled, Trump said he remained committed to a political agreement and negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program, urging Israel not to undermine prospects of their success. A few hours later, hundreds of Israeli fighter jets and support aircraft struck 157 targets in Iran, launching a 12-day offensive designed to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. Trump's statement gave Israel the element of surprise for a successful first strike.
