TEHRAN – Before President Trump’s trip to the Middle East in mid-May, his administration intensified diplomatic efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel continues its relentless military operations there.
According to US and Israeli diplomatic sources, Trump is expected to announce a ceasefire deal in Gaza, perhaps over the weekend in May.
The US proposal calls for a 21-day ceasefire and plans for a recovery in Gaza and reopening humanitarian aid under US supervision, according to the report.
Under the plan, the Israeli military has already built a logistics center in Gaza to help rebuild infrastructure and manage aid, with the United States playing a key role in both.
However, the agreement appears to deviate greatly from Israel’s illegal demands. The US could provide Hamas with assurances as the organization’s refusal to disarm, such as future involvement in civil governance and security functions within Gaza, remains a major issue.
Many Israeli officials are concerned that Trump may portray the agreement as accomplice of Fait, which will force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make difficult political choices.
The Tel Aviv administration is worried that the agreement could undermine Israel’s security and validate Hamas’ power.
Reports say that if an agreement is not reached by May 15, Israeli security cabinet will approve a plan for a full-scale ground operation to occupy and flatten Gaza, expelling about two million Palestinians, possibly causing a more humanitarian crisis.
The sharp contradictions between Israeli military preparation and US diplomatic efforts underscore the growing disparity.
In his strategy, Trump supports a diplomatic breakthrough that angered Israeli officials.
US-Yemen Ceasefire Contract: Another Flash Point
The Trump administration’s separate ceasefire agreement with Yemen’s Ansalala, announced in early May 2025, is increasing tensions surrounding Gaza.
After a seven-week bombing campaign against Yemen’s military and infrastructure targets, the US agreed to halt airstrikes following a ceasefire through Oman to prevent attacks on American ships in the Red Sea.
Importantly, Israel has been excluded from the ceasefire in particular. Despite the US ceasefire, the Ansala movement, which has been supporting Palestinians in Gaza with missiles and drones since late 2023, has said it will not stop attacks from Israeli targets.
This includes the May 4th drone attack and missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport.
The US Earmen ceasefire agreement was reportedly not communicated to Israel in advance, prompting harsh criticism from Israeli officials.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has refused to rely on US protection by vowing that Israel will “protect itself” against Yemen’s attacks.
Israeli War Minister Joab Katz emphasized Israel’s willingness to take unilateral action by threatening to “a fierce blow” to Yemen if the attack continues.
The US agreement with Yemen is seen as a dangerous diplomatic ploy by Israel. Israeli officials say the ceasefire undermines regional security and Israel’s deterrence strategies by implicitly accepting Yemen’s continued hostility towards Israel.
Tensions are rising as the US’s strategic interests (protecting American transport lanes and mitigating Yemen’s conflict) have sparked Israel’s security concerns.
As Trump prepares for his High Stakes visit to the Middle East, these agreements aim to project US leadership and stabilize the region, but risk alienating Israel and complicating long-standing alliances.
The resilience of US-Israel relations and broad outlook for peace and stability in the Middle East will be tested in the coming weeks as Washington and Tel Aviv navigate competing visions for Gaza, Yemen and the future of regional security.