In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Donald Trump reigns supreme. Banners proclaiming “We love Trump” offer effusive thanks to the US president. For the families of the Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas in Gaza, and the crowds who supported their struggle over two years, the narrative is clear: with the imminent return of the hostages, Trump delivered what Benjamin Netanyahu wouldn’t.

Or couldn’t.

For months, the accusation against the Israeli prime minister has been consistent. The hostage families and Netanyahu’s political opponents believe he prolonged the war in Gaza for his political survival. The military campaign appeased his far-right coalition partners, who called to expand Israel’s assault on Gaza and dreamed of fully re-occupying the territory.

“Netanyahu isn’t willing to pay the political price of bringing back all the hostages,” opposition leader Yair Lapid charged last December.

But the landscape shifted dramatically with Trump’s return to the White House early in 2025.

Netanyahu has described Trump as the best friend Israel has ever had in the Oval Office. The prime minister previously scored political points feuding with democratic administrations in the United States. He wouldn’t dare do that with Trump. And Trump has used that leverage when he needs to.

A sign in support of Donald Trump in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square following the announceme