A New Don in the Middle East?

“What made Mr. Netanyahu make a decision against his natural inclination to kick the can down the road, as well as agree to pretty much everything he said he opposed? Simply, Mr. Trump. Israel’s botched attempt to assassinate members of the Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, began a cascade of events that led the president and his Qatari, Egyptian and Turkish counterparts to pressure Israel on one side, and Hamas on the other, into signing onto a framework agreement and apparently negotiating the details later. Saying ‘No,’ or ‘Yes, but,’ and playing for time was not an option.” NYT (Gift Article): The Uncomfortable Truth About Netanyahu’s ‘Victory.’ (The main victory Bibi wants is at the ballot box.)

+ A good overview of how to consider Trump’s major role in the ceasefire and hostage handover. Josh Marshall: Has Trump Brought Peace to Gaza?

+ And the latest reason to worry: Hamas deploys armed fighters and police across parts of Gaza.

+ Here’s the latest from Times of Israel, CNN, and the NYT.