WASHINGTON — The Biden administration has maintained close communication with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration regarding the recently negotiated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which is expected to take effect early Wednesday. This comes as the outgoing Democratic administration seeks to highlight its diplomatic achievements amid ongoing challenges in the Middle East.
Trump’s transition team has been quick to claim credit for this significant development, marking a rare piece of positive news for the Democratic administration that has faced criticism over the prolonged turmoil in the region. Florida Representative Mike Waltz, who has been selected by Trump as his national security adviser, attributed the ceasefire to Trump’s impact on global perceptions. Waltz stated in a post on social media that Trump’s decisive victory had sent a strong message globally that disorder would not be tolerated, expressing approval of the moves toward de-escalation in the Middle East.
The Biden administration’s collaboration with Trump’s team regarding the ceasefire negotiation exemplifies one of the most high-profile instances of cooperation during a tumultuous transition phase. On Tuesday, Trump’s transition team formalized an essential agreement with President Biden’s White House, facilitating communication and coordination between transition staff and the current federal workforce prior to Trump assuming office on January 20. High-level discussions occurred between Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, and Waltz, indicating a level of engagement despite the overall tension between the outgoing and incoming administrations.
In remarks delivered in the Rose Garden on Tuesday, Biden expressed enthusiasm over the ceasefire agreement, viewing it as a crucial step that may pave the way for broader peace efforts in the Middle East. The region, shaken by nearly 14 months of conflict following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, has seen significant escalation in hostilities. “This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” Biden asserted, emphasizing that Hezbollah and similar groups will not be permitted to jeopardize Israel’s security in the future.
White House officials are optimistic that stability in Lebanon could stimulate renewed multi-country discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where Hamas continues to hold numerous hostages amid a protracted conflict. Biden indicated that the U.S. and Israel will engage in forthcoming talks with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to facilitate a resolution in Gaza.
Although the ceasefire agreement provides a moment of achievement for Biden amidst a challenging geopolitical landscape, the looming presence of the Trump administration could complicate these sentiments. According to a senior Biden administration official, Trump’s national security team was kept informed throughout the negotiations that led to the agreement’s conclusion. It was noted that while Trump’s team did not take part in the negotiations directly, it was essential for them to be aware of the discussions and commitments being made.
Supporters of Trump contend that the prospect of his return to power motivated both sides to finalize the agreement. Waltz, while praising Trump’s role in brokering the ceasefire, issued a warning directed at Iran, which is Hezbollah’s primary backer. “The Iranian regime is the root cause of the chaos and terror unleashed throughout the region,” he stated.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, acknowledged both Biden’s efforts and the contributions of Trump’s team in achieving the ceasefire. Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, posited that Iran likely needed to consent to Hezbollah’s acceptance of the ceasefire, indicating that Iran may be reevaluating its stance in light of Trump’s return to power. Goldberg noted the intertwining effects of Israeli military successes and Trump’s election on Iran’s current strategy.
The Biden administration is also cautiously hopeful that the ceasefire in Lebanon might rejuvenate efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The official explained that significant progress had been made regarding this agreement, though ongoing issues in Gaza were proving to be a barrier. Biden has previously expressed that a historic deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia was tantalizingly close before the outbreak of violence following the Hamas attack.
This effort, known as the normalization push initiated during Trump’s presidency under the Abraham Accords, aims to reshape Middle Eastern relations and enhance Israel’s geopolitical standing. Moving forward, the Biden administration intends to keep Trump’s incoming team informed about its diplomatic initiatives. “Anything that we will do on this … we won’t do this unless they know what we’re doing,” the Biden official stated, underlining the commitment to maintaining transparency during this transitional period.