Haaretz Podcast ‘We’re the ones calling the shots here’: Vance, Kushner and Witkoff rattle Israel’s leadership
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Oct 24, 2025 Joshua Leifer, a Haaretz columnist and commentator on Israeli and U.S. politics, sheds light on the recent influx of Trump administration officials to Israel post-ceasefire. He argues this signals deep U.S. distrust in Netanyahu's plans. Leifer discusses the Trump administration's intense supervision, likening it to a U.S. mandate over Israeli decisions. He explores the complexities of American Jewish responses to Trump's role in the ceasefire and raises concerns over potential reconstruction plans for Gaza, warning of a shift towards permanent control.
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U.S. Supervision Signals Distrust Of Netanyahu
- The Trump administration signals distrust of Netanyahu by sending repeated high-level envoys and closely supervising the ceasefire implementation.
- They aim to internationalize the Gaza deal and force Israel to follow terms vetted by multiple external actors.
Internationalized Management Of Gaza
- Trump’s team is constructing an internationalized management model for Gaza that resembles a U.S.-led mandate.
- That model places Israeli actions under oversight and reduces unilateral Israeli control in practice.
U.S. Pressure Feels Retroactive Yet Deeper
- Recent U.S. pressure on Israel recalls earlier decades rather than the quieter post-1990s approach.
- The novelty is deep U.S. operational involvement and public displeasure toward Israeli policy.