Monday’s release of 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, freed after direct talks between Washington, Qatar and Hamas, added to some fears of Jerusalem being sidelined. Israel played only a logistical role.

Within Israel, the Gaza war continues to divide strategists over whether to keep pressing Hamas or stop the war for a hostage deal.
Haiman called the current "fight, deal, fight" rhythm "boiling the frog,"

But acknowledges that without a hostage deal now, the 21 living hostages might not survive.

Golov believes it is time for Israel to stop reacting and start shaping events. He urged Jerusalem to push Washington to demand that:
1. "Qatar must stop funding Hamas,
2. stop Al Jazeera’s incitement,
3. and pay a price for interfering inside Israel."

Israel, he argued, does not have the leverage to do that alone.

"It must anchor itself in a regional bloc — with the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan — states that are just as terrified of a Muslim Brotherhood resurgence."
To get there, Israel must climb aboard the wave Trump has already set in motion.