President Donald Trump, a leader more often associated with disruption than diplomacy, is gambling his reputation on brokering a complex peace deal for Gaza. His intense personal investment in the U.S.-led plan, which he will present to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, positions him as an unlikely but determined peacemaker.
Throughout the lead-up to the summit, Trump has been the plan’s chief promoter, using his powerful social media presence to build a narrative of impending success. He has personally engaged with Arab leaders to build a coalition of support, a crucial step in creating the right conditions for a deal.
This hands-on approach suggests Trump sees the Gaza conflict as an opportunity to secure a significant and lasting foreign policy victory. A successful deal would not only end a devastating war but would also be a powerful counterpoint to critics who have questioned his diplomatic abilities.
The gamble is considerable. The conflict is notoriously intractable, and he is dealing with a reluctant partner in Benjamin Netanyahu. If the deal fails, Trump could be seen as having overplayed his hand and failed to deliver on his lofty promises.
On Monday, this unlikely peacemaker will have his moment. He will bring all his persuasive powers to bear on Netanyahu, betting that he can succeed where many others have failed. The outcome will be a major test of his dealmaking prowess and could redefine his legacy on the world stage.