Independent: The ceasefire in Gaza gives Trump a historic gain and weakens Netanyahu politically

The British newspaper Independent mentioned in its editorial that the moment of the ceasefire in Gaza revealed a clear disparity in the fate of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, considering that the former emerged diplomatically victorious while the latter found himself facing an unprecedented decline in his political standing.

The newspaper clarified that Trump managed to impose a ceasefire agreement through direct pressure on the Israeli government, leading to the release of hostages and reaching broader understandings that pave the way for a new phase of peace in the Middle East.

Trump's firm diplomacy

The editorial pointed out that what it called "coercive diplomacy" used by Trump was a decisive factor in ending the war, after Israeli operations in Gaza became internationally unacceptable even to close allies of Tel Aviv.

The newspaper believes that this development represents a turning point in Washington's Middle Eastern policy, as it enhanced Trump's image as a "resolute peacemaker" who managed to force the parties to calm down without resorting to long and complicated negotiation paths.


American influence deepens within Israel

Independent confirmed that the United States now holds the strings of Israeli decision-making, and that Tel Aviv's policies have begun to align with the priorities of U.S. strategy in the region.
It added that Trump's peace plan is not limited to stopping the war or exchanging prisoners, but includes the reconstruction of Gaza, expanding the Abraham Accords, and imposing a new political reality based on a two-state solution that guarantees Israel stability rather than expansion.


Warning against excessive optimism

Despite praising the success of the ceasefire, the newspaper warned against rushing to expect lasting peace, noting that previous experiences in the region have shown the fragility of temporary agreements.
It explained that issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and involving Iran in regional security arrangements remain fundamental obstacles to any comprehensive settlement.


Netanyahu facing political downfall

As for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the newspaper considered that he is living through a phase of political end, as he preferred the continuation of the war to avoid trial on corruption charges, but found himself compelled to accept the ceasefire under American and popular pressure.

It added that the reception of the Israeli public to him with boos in the “hostage square” symbolizes the erosion of his image as a strong leader, concluding that Netanyahu has come to represent an era of the past, while Trump seeks to establish himself as the architect of a new phase in the Middle East.