Not unlike a mafia don or a sheriff in a Hollywood western, he threatened “all hell to pay” if the hostages being held by Hamas are not released before he takes office. Shortly before this, he had dismissed a journalist’s question regarding the fate of those hostages, saying he doubted they were still alive. But then, Hamas released a video recording of a hostage of dual nationality pleading with Trump to work for his release. This is what prompted him to buckle up his six-shooter and proclaim his ultimatum, adding, “those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the USA.”

The irony is that the video recording was, in fact, addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, because he – not Hamas – has sabotaged all efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement that would secure the release of the hostages. The Israeli press, itself, has acknowledged this fact, accusing Netanyahu of deliberately prolonging the war in order to perpetuate his hold on power. Keeping Israel in a perpetual state of war is his key to avoiding prosecution and prison for the various corruption charges for which he was indicted several years ago. The families of the hostages are painfully aware of these facts. That is why they have been demonstrating regularly, protesting his disinterest in doing what is necessary to bring the hostages back.

Meanwhile, back in Washington, Trump finishes dinner with Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister’s wife, pauses for joint photos, then decides that rather than pressuring Bibi into accepting a ceasefire, he would threaten the Arab region with punitive actions.   

If this is Trump now, imagine what he will be like when he takes the reins in the White House again.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 12 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly