Prof. Kobi Michael: Trump appeared intent on maintaining the perception of progress toward peace in Gaza by restraining Israel and making concessions to Hamas and its allies, such as Qatar and Turkey.
The ISF will not fight Hamas. The only entity on the entire globe that is willing and able to do that is the IDF. But I think President Trump is looking toward the Nobel Peace Prize of 2026, and mainly he wants to realize the economic and business potential here in the Middle East. I think he will do his utmost to ensure that nothing will interfere.
In the end, there will be no disarmament of Hamas. Hamas will strengthen itself, and at some point we will reach another clash. This will be a very difficult multi-front challenge for Israel, and this will be a disaster for the free world, because it will embolden the radicals among the Arabs and the Muslims here in the region and beyond.
Published in The Washington Free Beacon, December 20, 2025.
