Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently expressed gratitude towards President Donald Trump for his help in facilitating a hostage release deal with Hamas. The agreement aims to secure the release of hostages taken during the conflict that began on October 7,

The stage-managed spectacle of Israeli hostages being released in Gaza serves political interests on both sides. Hamas’ assertions that it is still in power bolster the argument that Prime Minister Netanyahu still has a job to do.

The increasingly theatrical and threatening events have angered Israel and put a cease-fire deal at risk.