Fresh Air How Trump’s Transactional Nature Led To The Ceasefire
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Oct 15, 2025 
Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. State Department negotiator and expert on Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy, shares insights on the recent Gaza ceasefire. He discusses how Trump's transactional approach reshaped diplomatic norms and pressured Netanyahu into compliance. Miller evaluates the sustainability of the ceasefire and emphasizes the urgent humanitarian needs for rebuilding Gaza. He also suggests that a two-state solution is the only viable outcome while calling for effective leadership to navigate the path to lasting peace.
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Ceasefire Is A Moment, Not A Peace
- The Gaza deal is not a full peace agreement but a significant pause that creates a new environment for aid and reduced large-scale Israeli operations.
- Aaron David Miller sees it as a chance to end the war and possibly build a bridge toward deeper negotiations.
Why The Deal Was Possible Now
- Three factors made the agreement possible: a weakened Hamas military, pressure from Arab backers, and unprecedented U.S. pressure on Israel.
- Miller argues the decisive factor was Trump's willingness to confront Netanyahu in ways previous presidents avoided.
Honey And Vinegar Worked On Netanyahu
- Trump built political capital with Netanyahu through favors, then used threats and leverage to change Israeli behavior.
- Miller credits Trump's mix of 'honey' and 'vinegar' for creating Netanyahu's compliance margin.