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Why Trump Did What Biden Couldn’t (w/ Dan Shapiro)

2025-10-14 News & Politics
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The Bulwark
The Bulwark
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Analyzing the Israel-Hamas War Ceasefire and Political Dynamics

Understand why the recent ceasefire took two years to materialize, who ultimately secured the deal, and the critical political and military hurdles remaining for long-term stability in Gaza.

Short Summary

  • Phase One of the ceasefire implemented the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
  • Former President Trump utilized unique leverage over Prime Minister Netanyahu to enforce the deal after the Biden administration could not secure it earlier.
  • Phase Two relies fundamentally on the complete disarming and removal of Hamas from political and military power in Gaza.

This discussion with former Ambassador Dan Shapiro unpacks the complex diplomatic maneuvers leading to the temporary halt of the war that began on October 7th. It contrasts the political constraints faced by the Biden versus Trump administrations in applying leverage where it mattered most for achieving a successful cessation of hostilities.

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Description

Sam Stein talks with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro about how the Israel-Hamas war finally ended — and why it took two years to get here. Shapiro explains why Donald Trump had the leverage to force a ceasefire when Joe Biden didn’t, how Netanyahu’s political survival instincts prolonged the conflict, and what “phase two” of the ceasefire will really mean for Israel, Gaza, and the region. Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join

Top Comments (10)

@andrewb4999 2025-10-14

Didn’t Trump literally tell Bibi during the 2024 election cycle to not make deals with Biden because it would look bad for his reelection chances?

160 17 replies
@vickihaithcoat1032 2025-10-14

Nope, it's a show for Trump, like him threatening the Pakistan guy to say Trump solved that war. Biden got more hostages released.

86 10 replies
@BarefootCrochet 2025-10-14

Phase 2 is they go back to bombing Gaza and Hamas doesn’t disarm. Glad the hostages were released but I don’t think it’s anywhere near over

82 4 replies
@StarryNight-t3m 2025-10-14

That is co.plete b.s . There has been a deal on the table since the biden admin for release of all hostages. Netanyahu wanted to continue the war. That is the reason

66 7 replies
@PickleJuiceDuce 2025-10-14

An administration of false flags and false brags

62 3 replies
@lizliz4186 2025-10-14

It's funny how no one in the US talks about other countries/the rest of the world. Its like you guys think you are the only ppl, the only country that exists. Trump's new leverage -every country at the UN recognized Palestinian statehood (except Israel and the USA). That's pressure that Biden didn't have to use. Also worldwide opinions towards Israel and Netanyahu have changed a lot in the last 2 years. Why does no one mention this??

48 8 replies
@Steve.P763 2025-10-14

I can't believe so many people in the media are buying into this charade. The appalling Joe Scarborough is calling it the greatest achievement in the Middle East he's ever seen. Have none of these people been paying attention??

40 4 replies
@katlovedreamingpeach 2025-10-14

TLDR did I miss the part where they talked about Trump and Netanyahu intentionally sabotaging deals Biden made until it benefited them personally?

34 5 replies
@njay4361 2025-10-14

They set a trap. Peace deal is just smoke and mirrors.

18
@Indypnw 2025-10-14

To think Trump had anything to do with this other than be completely rolled by Netanyahu is ridiculous. Netanyahu got to kill thousands of innocent people with no discretion and avoid accountability for his other crimes.

13

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