Senator Lindsey Graham shared that President-elect Donald Trump is focused on securing a ceasefire and hostage release in the Middle East before his inauguration on January 20.
Trump views resolving the hostage situation and halting the violence as urgent priorities, according to Graham, who recently returned from his second visit to the region in a month. This underscores the Trump team’s emphasis on addressing the ongoing crises in the Middle East during the transition period.
These remarks come after President Biden announced a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, following over a year of intense conflict.
Trump’s transition team has been briefed on the agreement, with Biden’s negotiator Amos Hochstein explaining the deal’s terms and U.S. commitments to oversee its implementation. The ceasefire represents a significant step toward stabilizing the region, but Trump’s team has yet to clarify how they plan to address ongoing tensions.
Trump Prioritizes Ceasefire and Hostage Release in Middle East Before Inauguration, Says Lindsey Graham
Trump has reiterated the need for swift resolution to conflicts in the Middle East, though his approach lacks detailed proposals. His past comments emphasize the importance of ending violence quickly to restore peace and stability. However, the complexities of the situation—especially in Gaza—pose challenges for achieving such outcomes within a short timeframe.
The Biden administration has worked to de-escalate violence in Gaza, highlighting opportunities following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Still, Trump’s close alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu positions him as a preferred U.S. counterpart in Israel’s ongoing negotiations.
Netanyahu has faced criticism for resisting international efforts to tie a ceasefire agreement to the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 attacks.
Graham also stated that resolving the Gaza conflict is essential before Trump can focus on broader foreign policy goals, such as forming a regional alliance against Iran. This suggests that the incoming administration plans to concentrate first on immediate crises before pivoting to larger strategic initiatives in the region. The transition period may see intensified efforts to lay the groundwork for these priorities.
