Trump’s babysitting of Netanyahu puts the US in charge on Gaza

The Trump administration has assumed a direct management role over the Gaza ceasefire, deploying a constant stream of high-level officials to Israel to monitor and enforce Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s compliance with the US-brokered agreement. This intensive diplomatic engagement, dubbed “Bibi-sitting” by American officials, represents a significant shift in US-Israel relations. Over the past two weeks, President Donald Trump visited Israel to oversee the ceasefire signing, followed by Vice President JD Vance’s arrival to monitor implementation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected soon. The revolving door of top US envoys underscores Washington’s determination to prevent the collapse of the fragile truce. This hands-on approach marks a departure from previous US mediation efforts in the region. The ceasefire agreement, which facilitated the initial exchange of hostages and prisoners, now faces its most challenging phase: establishing post-war governance in Gaza. US officials have established a coordination center to monitor real-time developments and assess compliance. Vice President Vance emphasized the administration’s commitment, stating, “We intend to stay engaged every single day to make sure peace takes hold.” However, the truce’s fragility was exposed by recent military clashes in Rafah that killed two Israeli soldiers and over 40 Palestinians, leading to brief suspensions of aid and highlighting the volatile environment. Israeli officials have expressed mixed reactions to the unprecedented US involvement. Former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Gadi Eisenkot criticized the arrangement, noting that “the event is being managed by an external entity, by the Americans, and this is a very problematic matter.” Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of turning Israel into a “protectorate,” while the prime minister dismissed such claims as “hogwash.” Despite these tensions, the Israeli military recognizes that US oversight may be necessary to secure an end to the conflict, with some analysts noting it mortgages Israeli independence for stability. The Trump administration’s micromanagement extends beyond the ceasefire to broader strategic decisions. In recent months, Trump has intervened to recall Israeli jets en route to strike Iranian targets, forced an apology to Qatar after a failed strike on Hamas leaders, and publicly instructed Israel to halt aerial operations in Gaza. These actions have fueled perceptions of eroded Israeli sovereignty, though Vance insists the US seeks a “partnership, not a vassal state.” The frequency of US interventions reflects deep concern over Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, who oppose ending the war and could derail the agreement. Regional dynamics are also shifting under US stewardship. Despite Israeli skepticism, Turkey and Qatar play central roles in Washington’s framework for Gaza reconstruction and mediation. Vance acknowledged that troop deployments in Gaza require Israeli approval but praised Ankara and Doha for their “constructive” influence. This recalibration aims to leverage regional partnerships while maintaining US control over the peace process, with the goal of expanding the Abraham Accords and fostering long-term stability in the Middle East. The “Bibi-sitting” strategy may provide Netanyahu with domestic political cover to make concessions his far-right coalition would otherwise reject. By attributing difficult decisions to US pressure, Netanyahu could navigate internal opposition while advancing the ceasefire. However, this dependence on American oversight risks long-term implications for Israel’s autonomy and the US-Israel alliance, as it embeds Washington deeply in Israeli security affairs and could strain bilateral trust over time. As the ceasefire enters its critical phase, the US commitment to daily engagement highlights the high stakes involved. The administration is investing substantial political capital to ensure the agreement’s success, viewing it as a stepping stone to expanded Abraham Accords. Yet, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, from defining Gaza’s future governance to managing inevitable skirmishes that test the truce’s durability, with the outcome likely to shape US-Israel relations for years to come.