Mike Waltz: If Israel needs to go back into Gaza, we’re with them

US President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming National Security Adviser to Fox News: The hostage release deal was reached thanks to the Trump effect. We’re with Israel if Hamas doesn’t live up to the terms of this agreement.

Mike WaltzREUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

Mike Waltz, US President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming National Security Adviser, spoke to Fox News’ Bret Baier on Wednesday about the ceasefire and hostage release deal which was agreed to by Israel and Hamas, and said the deal was announced thanks to the “Trump effect.”

“We will see hostages walking out and hugging their families as President Trump is being sworn in,” Waltz said, calling this a “Reagan moment.”

He was asked by Baier about concerns in Israel that the ceasefire deal would allow Hamas to regain strength.

“We’ve made it very clear to the Israelis…if they need to go back in, we’re with them if Hamas doesn’t live up to the terms of this agreement,” Waltz clarified.

“Hamas is not going to continue as a military entity, and it’s certainly not going to govern Gaza,” he stated.

Trump commented on the hostage release deal in a post on his Truth Social platform earlier on Wednesday, writing, “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!”

He later wrote, “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

“With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!” Trump said.


After talks in Geneva with Britain, France and Germany, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says the three appear committed to reviving nuclear negotiations: We felt the seriousness.

Abbas Araqchi

Abbas AraqchiReuters/Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Tuesday that European powers appear committed to reviving nuclear negotiations, following discussions held in Geneva, AFP reported.

“The talks with the three European countries are aimed at exploring how we can return to the nuclear negotiations,” Araqchi was quoted as having said during an interview with state television.

He described the discussions as “positive,” adding, “We felt the seriousness … and (the European parties’) desire for a negotiated solution.”

However, Araqchi also expressed uncertainty about Washington’s intentions, saying, “We do not know whether the new US administration intends to return to the negotiations.”

His comments come after Iranian officials met with their counterparts from Britain, France, and Germany — collectively known as the E3 — for discussions on Monday and Tuesday. Both sides characterized the talks as “frank and constructive.”

These discussions come just one week before US President-elect Donald Trump, known for his “maximum pressure” sanctions policy against Iran during his previous term, is set to return to the White House.

According to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, the meetings addressed topics such as lifting sanctions and other related issues.

European Union diplomat Enrique Mora also commented on Tuesday, saying he had a “constructive meeting” with Iranian officials to explore diplomatic solutions to the nuclear issue. Mora noted that the discussions also included concerns about “Iran’s unacceptable military support to Russia.”

The European nations had previously, on December 17, accused Iran of amassing high-enriched uranium to “unprecedented levels” without “any credible civilian justification.”

Iran has taken many steps to scale back its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal it signed with world powers, in response to Donald Trump’s withdrawing the US from the agreement during his first term as President.

These steps include banning UN nuclear inspectors from the country as well as expanding uranium enrichment capabilities.

Britain, France and Germany recently hinted at potentially invoking the “snap back” mechanism from the 2015 nuclear deal that could allow for the reinstatement of previously lifted sanctions on Iran.

Araqchi recently said that “2025 will be an important year regarding Iran’s nuclear issue” as the country faces the potential return of Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy. The January 13 talks come just a week before Trump’s return to the White House.


According to the report, the PA was in contact with the incoming Trump administration on the subject.

 PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. The PA and Abbas have repeatedly shown that they are not interested in peace or prosperity for the Palestinians. (photo credit: MOHAMAD TOROKMAN/REUTERS)
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. The PA and Abbas have repeatedly shown that they are not interested in peace or prosperity for the Palestinians.
(photo credit: MOHAMAD TOROKMAN/REUTERS)
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is adamant to manage the Gaza Strip without Hamas, an Egyptian source with knowledge of the matter told Israel’s public broadcaster KAN on Tuesday.

According to the report, the PA was in contact with the incoming Trump administration on the subject.

Egypt has been holding talks between the two parties in an attempt to reach an agreement with regard to the civil management of Gaza following the war.

Mistrust of Hamas

The source also reportedly told KAN that the Egyptian attempts have failed to persuade the PA to form a joint committee with Hamas.

 Illustrative image of Palestinian fighters from the armed wing of Hamas. (credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA, zmotions/Shutterstock)Enlrage image
Illustrative image of Palestinian fighters from the armed wing of Hamas. (credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA, zmotions/Shutterstock)

According to the report, the PA’s refusal stems from a lack of trust in Hamas and the terror group’s attempt to destabilize the West Bank.

On Tuesday, Walla reported, citing three US officials, that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to present later in the day his day-after plan for the Gaza Strip.

According to the report, the plan is expected to include a proposed alternative to Hamas’s rule, which would involve the Palestinian Authority and Arab states.