President Donald Trump’s brief yet impactful 24-hour journey through the Middle East was more of a celebratory victory lap than a detailed strategy session. The trip coincided with a crucial breakthrough in negotiations concerning Gaza, marking a pivotal moment following two years of devastating conflict. Describing the events with his characteristic vividness, Trump painted a picture of a momentous turning point, calling it a “historic day” on his return flight. He expressed optimism for an “everlasting peace” in a region long troubled by violence.
As a member of the White House press corps traveling on Air Force One, I had a front-row seat to this diplomatic whirlwind. As we approached Tel Aviv, the presidential plane executed a fly-by of the beach, where a massive sign spelling out “thank you” to Trump, adorned with the Israeli flag and an outline of the President’s profile, was prominently displayed.
This gesture set the tone for a visit that, while celebratory, focused more on announcing achievements than detailing the complex next steps required to secure Gaza’s future. The agreement, brokered in Doha, was reached under significant pressure from Trump. It represented a major shift for millions, leading to the cessation of major combat in Gaza, the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their war-torn homes, facilitated by a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops.
However, my observations suggest this journey was a waypoint, not a final destination—a fragile pause in a conflict with deep historical roots that shows little sign of a definitive resolution. The immediate question was whether the truce would hold and if the arduous negotiations ahead could build upon it. During the flight, Trump engaged with the press, emphasizing his instrumental role in the deal. He confidently declared that “every country is dancing in the streets” and assured the ceasefire would hold, though he sidestepped detailed questions about the future governance and security of Gaza.
When asked about the proposed multinational International Stabilization Force (ISF), Trump described it as a “big, strong force” that would “barely” need to be used, believing that “people are going to behave.” In Tel Aviv, Netanyahu greeted Trump with full honors, including a red carpet and military band. The motorcade then proceeded to Jerusalem along a cleared Route 1 motorway.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, crowds watched a giant screen displaying simultaneous footage of the hostage releases and Trump’s arrival, a potent split-screen moment capturing the complex emotions of the day. At the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, the atmosphere was electric, with attendees wearing “The president of peace” baseball caps and cheering “Thank you Trump.” Trump hailed a “historic dawn of a new Middle East,” though his speech also included significant criticism of his political opponents and praise for a campaign donor.
His visit to Egypt concluded with a ceremony in Sharm el-Sheikh, where a prominent sign proclaimed “PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST.” Leaders from various nations stood behind Trump as he spoke, highlighting the international attention on his diplomatic efforts. Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, who introduced Trump, reiterated the goal of a two-state solution. Trump’s evolving stance, influenced by shifts in his relationships with Israeli and Gulf leadership, underscored the fluid nature of regional diplomacy. He presided over the signing ceremony, remarking that it had taken “3,000 years” to reach this point, acknowledging that the path to lasting peace remains long and requires more than a single individual.