Fred Fleitz, former Chief of Staff for the National Security Council, stated during an interview on Newsmax that much of what President Joe Biden said regarding the newly brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is pure “fantasy.” Fleitz explained that while Biden may have wanted to celebrate his administration’s efforts as it nears its end, his actions and the resulting ceasefire deal aren’t as significant as they might seem. “Joe Biden wanted to take a victory lap at the end of his failed presidency and he did twist [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s arm to get this cease-fire agreement — which is a 60-day agreement, and he only got it by threatening to go to the U.N. Security Council against Israel — but most of what he said … frankly, is fantasy,” Fleitz commented on “American Agenda.”

He added that there are unrealistic expectations surrounding Biden’s statements, particularly regarding the prospects for a Palestinian state, relations with Saudi Arabia, and a resolution with Hamas. “There’s not going to be a Palestinian state before Biden leaves office, there’s not going to be a deal with the Saudis, and, unfortunately, there’s not going to be a deal with Hamas,” he remarked. “Relations with Hamas are actually getting worse; they’re less willing to negotiate. This is what presidents do on their way out. Biden knows that he was humiliated in the 2024 election so I think this is an opportunity to stand in front of flags and brag about what a great president he is, but I don’t think the American people are going to buy it.”

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer expressed his reservations regarding Biden’s assertion that the ceasefire was “permanent.” He questioned the administration’s optimism about the involvement of international parties like the Lebanese military, the French, and the United States in ensuring the agreement’s longevity. “I don’t know if I buy that because there’s a country named Iran who has a big vote in this, and I don’t think they’re going to go along with this,” Shaffer stated. “As much as I am hopeful, the issue becomes what happens at the end of that 60 days?”

Shaffer also emphasized the strategic gains Israel had made, noting their success in reclaiming and holding territory, which could spark further disagreements. “The Israelis have been winning. They’ve been very decisive in their taking back and holding territory. This is going to be a point of contention.” He acknowledged the positive steps taken by the United States, particularly in establishing safe zones to allow Israeli settlers to return to their land. “Obviously, we think it’s a good idea, the United States. I think it’s great because they’re going to be able to establish safe zones to help make sure that those Israeli settlers can go back to the territory they were pushed off of.”

However, Shaffer pointed out the uncertainty of the situation after the 60-day period. “At this point, I’m hopeful by the fact the Israelis are 100% into it, but the issue becomes what happens after the 60 days?” he questioned. Looking ahead, he speculated that the political landscape would change with the potential election of Donald Trump as president, which he believes could bring about a different approach to the situation. “I think President [-elect Donald] Trump will be in office by then, I think there will be a whole different stage we’ll be working from and I’m very hopeful that this will become something that is permanent under President Trump.”

{Matzav.com}