With Trump losing interest, Israel likely to buy time, extend phase one of deal
As US envoy Steve Witkoff shifts focus to Russia and Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas deal faces mounting hurdles ahead of phase 2 this Saturday, making it more likely to extend current status-quo.
TEL AVIV — With the first stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement set to end this weekend, Israelis are wondering if the constant bickering between the two parties has led President Donald Trump to lose interest in the deal, which he was instrumental in advancing.
"There are signs that the president is fed up," a senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor, speaking on condition of anonymity.
As an indication of Trump’s attention being elsewhere — in particular on the Ukraine-Russia conflict — the source pointed to the decision to delay a regional visit by his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, scheduled for this week. Witkoff had initially stated that he would likely arrive in Israel on Wednesday, Feb. 26—three days before the end of the first phase—but that did not happen. According to Axios, the US envoy may now arrive this coming Sunday. The delay, Axios reported, was linked to US diplomatic efforts concerning Ukraine and Russia. A source suggested to Al-Monitor that Witkoff's delay is to wait for the parties to agree on an arrangement after Saturday's deadline.
"It took him much less time than it did previous presidents to come to the conclusion that when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it's a waste of time," said the senior Israeli diplomatic source. "You can't even squeeze a drop of lemonade out of that lemon."
