President Donald Trump’s declaration of support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—summarized as “Yes on Bibi”—is a potential game-changer in the effort to finalize a Gaza peace deal. This claimed backing from Israel provides a critical pillar of support for the U.S.-led initiative.
With Israel allegedly on board, the framework presented by Trump gains immense credibility and puts Hamas in a position of increasing isolation. It transforms the negotiation from a contentious back-and-forth into a unified proposal from the US and Israel.
This development helps explain the high level of optimism from US officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assessment that the deal is “90 per cent done” is far more significant with the knowledge that Israel has approved the terms, including the military pullback to the “yellow line” in exchange for hostages.
The claimed support from Netanyahu also serves to counter potential domestic criticism in Israel over the deal’s concessions. With the Prime Minister’s backing, the plan can be presented to the Israeli public as a necessary and strategic move to secure the return of its citizens.
This unified front, combined with Trump’s stern warning to Hamas, creates a powerful dynamic aimed at compelling a final agreement. The alignment of Washington and Jerusalem is now the driving force pushing this deal over the finish line.