International agreements involve multiple parties. Unlike domestic legislation or executive orders, there’s rarely a single figure who can be solely credited for a diplomatic victory. The uncertainty is compounded during the final days of a presidential term, making it difficult to assign accolades clearly.
Still, President Joe Biden disagrees with the emerging belief that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be attributed to incoming President-elect Donald Trump.
During a press conference announcing the ceasefire, Biden emphasized that his administration’s continued support for Israel was key to bringing the deal to fruition.
“The elements of this deal are what I laid out in detail this past May,” Biden explained. “The road to this deal has not been easy. I’ve worked in foreign policy for decades, and this has been one of the toughest negotiations I’ve ever faced.”
Although Trump sent his Middle East envoy to participate in ceasefire talks in Doha, Biden stressed that his administration had been working in tandem with Trump’s team for a smooth transition and fragile peace. “For the past few days, we’ve been speaking as one team,” Biden assured reporters.
However, Trump and his supporters, including diplomats and analysts, saw the situation differently. Trump claimed sole credit for the agreement on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that the ceasefire was a result of his “Historic Victory” in November, which he argued signaled a commitment to peace and global safety.
Some analysts, however, are skeptical about the ceasefire’s long-term impact, suggesting that Israeli leaders have no intention of fully honoring its terms. Zvi Bar’el of Haaretz warned that the cessation of hostilities is likely just a temporary delay in Israel’s broader goals in Gaza.
In response to questions about Trump’s role in the ceasefire, Biden appeared irritated. When asked whether Trump should be credited for the agreement, Biden shot back, “Is that a joke?” before walking away.
