Critical to Prepare For Iran-US Deal Also Covering Lebanon and Gaza
Dr. Aaron Lerner 24 May 2026

Were it not for the following sentence, I would not be writing this:
"He (Netanyahu) will do whatever I want him to do."
President Trump to reporters, 20.5.2026

And this in comparison to Trump's remarks before the Knesset on 13.10.2025:
"He's not easy, I'm telling you. He's not the easiest person to work with -
but that's exactly what makes him great."

We must prepare ourselves for the challenge posed if the reports are correct
regarding an agreement between Trump and Iran and if it is implemented.

An agreement that includes - in the best-case scenario - a return to "quiet
for quiet" vis-a-vis Hezbollah and Hamas, and in a more realistic scenario,
the paralysis of IDF operations on both fronts so as not to interfere with
"the completion and implementation of Trump's historic achievements for
peace," despite "disturbances by the enemies of the peace that is
approaching."

With all the respect and appreciation I have for Benjamin Netanyahu, I do
not believe that he alone can formulate and implement the difficult
decisions that will be required to meet this challenge.

Decisions that will once again make Netanyahu a leader who is "not the
easiest person to work with" in Trump's eyes, to put it mildly.

What is not required are many hours of meaningless discussions merely to
allow ministers to blow off steam. What is required are many hours of
serious discussions that lead to the decision that we are not returning to
"quiet for quiet" and that we are setting out to complete the job in Lebanon
and Gaza.

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