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President Donald Trump’s global influence is unabated, and foreign leaders and terrorists alike are changing tune ahead of his inauguration.
During an interview on “The Cats Roundtable” on WABC, Former NATO chief James Stavridis told the host that the successful ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was partly due to President Trump’s upcoming return to the White House.
“I think that’s a direct result of the presence of a new Trump administration coming on,” Stavridis remarked.
The ceasefire began on November 27 and was recognized as the first step toward a resolution since the deadly Hamas attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.
Both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement, but uncertainty about Trump’s foreign policy decisions undoubtedly prompted a pause.
Stavridis noted that Trump’s approach to foreign policy has world leaders perplexed. “In many capitals around the world, the leads are holding their breath.” He added that they were “unsure of what’s coming.”
Stavridis agreed that his approach was effective. “If that is used as a negotiating ploy, as a way to keep an opponent off balance, it works out pretty well.”
He argued that using the same approach with allies, partners, and friends could “have consequences that are less good,” but Trump has had no shame in using his tactics to get friendly countries to do their part.
President Trump’s unwavering support for Israel is completely clear to the world, and he has promised to swiftly end the conflict once he is back in the Oval Office.
Trump’s recent nomination of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel is also indicative of his belief that Israel has every right to defend itself.
His pro-Israel Cabinet nominations have some Democratic lawmakers worried for the Palestinians. However, Trump’s ultimate goal is peace for everyone.
After 14 months of conflict and thousands upon thousands of deaths, a ceasefire agreement has certainly left Israelis and Palestinians hopeful.
The agreement includes a two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to leave a large portion of Lebanon, according to The Hill. Additionally, Israeli troops agreed to return to their side of the border.