How Trump Pushed Netanyahu to Agree to Gaza Ceasefire

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump played a decisive role in ensuring the deal progressed, sources and observers say.

The hold-up from the Israeli side had roots in Netanyahu 's concerns over the potential protest resignations of two ultranationalist officials key to maintaining his ruling coalition.

"It's as clear as can be that the delay is a result of political pressures in Jerusalem and Netanyahu 's fear for his coalition," an analyst says.

Biden : "Is that a joke?" Asked if he or the incoming president deserved credit for the ceasefire, Biden replied: 'Is that joke?' Netanyahu 's office said Thursday that "several items in the framework have yet to be finalized" Netanyahu 's Likud party defended the deal as the best chance to secure the release of nearly 100 hostages still in Hamas captivity since the group's October 7, 2023 , attack.

Efron : "It was clear that the fear of Trump would trump Netanyahu 's other considerations" The IDF has continued to conduct strikes against Gaza , targeting about 50 positions Thursday alone.

"The Hamas terrorist organization continues to exploit the civilian population for its terror attacks against the State of Israel ," the IDF says.