An IDF general hailed Trump’s threat as a ‘huge change’ in securing a ceasefire after Hamas rejected a similar deal in May.
IDF Brig. General Amir Aviv says “two things” have changed regarding the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire after fifteen months of conflict in the Middle East.
“This agreement has been on the table since May of last year and Hamas was completely against it. Why? There was no real pressure on Hamas,” said Avivi on “Your World” on Wednesday. “Israel wanted to stop some humanitarian aid, especially some gasoline, but the administration wouldn’t let us do that. So Israel has a huge advantage over them. She doesn’t have it.”
“Two things have changed,” Avivi told Fox News. “One is that Israel has defeated Hezbollah and Hezbollah cannot support Hamas. Also, Syria has fallen. Iran is weak. But the biggest change is the threat of President Trump.”
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“Once President Trump threatened them with hell if they didn’t release the hostages… I think they understand that if they don’t get a deal now, their chances of getting a good deal are going to be very, very difficult. Low, and so, they’ve made their own assessment, thinking they’re going to raise what they can get now, and what does ‘hell’ mean?” They are willing to make the deal saying they won’t wait to see if it is.
Defense forces were seen moving in the Gaza Strip city of Rafah. (IDF Spokesperson’s Office)
On Wednesday, President Biden’s White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby credited President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff as a key figure in negotiating the deal.
President-elect Donald Trump He warned Hamas “All hell will break loose,” he says, if the hostages are not returned by his inauguration on January 7.
Trump vows ‘all hell will break loose’ if hostages are not returned by inauguration
The agreement will take effect on January 19, one day before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Avivi said he was unsure whether the agreement between the two countries would last, saying Hamas “might try to use different methods and try to deceive Israel in one way or another.” He warned.
Avivi added that “it’s just the beginning” and “we’ll have to wait and see.”
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