Sure, I Believe That

One Trump administration official stated something that I believe is true as we read in a report from The Jerusalem Post:

Hamas is afraid of US President Donald Trump, and started treating hostages better after he was elected, US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff told hostage families in a meeting earlier in the week, recordings by N12 revealed on Wednesday.

Witkoff gave one example of his point:

“Edan [Alexander] told me that when President Trump was elected, they started treating him better,” Witkoff said. He added that other hostages also experienced improved conditions following the 2024 election. “They’re afraid of him – and the truth is they should be.”

He also said that this fear of Trump is being used in the hostage negotiations:

Witkoff stressed that securing a deal is the most effective method to bring the hostages home. “Statistically, far more hostages have been freed through diplomatic negotiations. That’s what really worked,” he said. While noting the IDF's success in certain rescue operations during the war, he emphasized that the majority of releases were ultimately secured through diplomatic channels.

Witkoff teased that more hostages could be released shortly:

He described the deteriorating circumstances for Matan Zangauker, who remains in captivity and suffers from medical issues. The two had been held together until Alexander’s release, after which Zangauker was left alone. “Edan’s release might hint at what could happen for everyone sitting in this room,” Witkoff told the families.

Alexander’s release sparked renewed hope:

Once it became clear that Alexander’s release was achievable, Witkoff said, swift action followed. “We needed cooperation from the Egyptians, the Qataris, and, of course, from Hamas. We also needed strong backing from the president.”

Witkoff changed his plans when Alexander was going to be set free:

Witkoff met with the hostage families in Tel Aviv on Tuesday after holding conversations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet. Witkoff was originally meant to fly directly to Saudi Arabia alongside Trump, but decided to arrive in Israel to oversee the release of Alexander.

He then gave him an unexpected honor:

Witkoff met with Alexander on Wednesday and gave him a Star of David necklace that belonged to his late son, Andrew.

I appreciate Witkoff’s optimism, but I don't see Hamas letting their fear of Trump grow unless actions follow his threats. Twice Trump told Hamas all the hostages needed to be released or else and nothing was done. No hellfire raining down on them. No US forces flexing their muscles. Israel would be wise to not count on diplomacy to win the war and rescue the remaining hostages. I’ve said repeatedly that this war will be won by Israel alone and I still stand by that assertion.

You’ve Been Warned

Israel is warning the Yemeni civilians to evacuate areas as we see in an article from World Israel News:

Twice this week, the IDF has warned civilians in Yemen to evacuate following a Houthi missile attack without a retaliatory Israeli strike following the warning.

However the IDF didn’t target those areas while the Houthis just keep firing away:

Houthi missiles sent Israelis to shelters early on Sunday, and the IDF ordered civilians to evacuate certain areas in Yemen, but no Israeli strike followed.

After that attack the IDF issued another warning without actions being taken:

Similarly, another missile attack on Wednesday morning was followed by a similar warning from Israel, but Israel’s military did not strike.

The Prime Minister’s Office didn’t say why there were no strikes after the warnings:

When asked why Israel was attacked twice and gave two evacuation warnings without a retaliatory strike, the Prime Minister’s office and the military declined to comment.

A few explanations were supplied by others, though:

Sources have offered several explanations, including the desire to save the expense of attacking the Houthis every time they launch missiles.

Another possible reason is to avoid footage of battles during US President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit.

The areas mentioned are given as well as the wording of the warnings:

Israel’s evacuation orders included Ras Isa Port, Hodeidah Port, and Al-Salif Port.

The warning to evacuate was delivered by IDF Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee, who told civilians in Yemen, “Due to the terrorist Houthi regime’s use of seaports for its terrorist activities, we urge all those present at these ports to evacuate and stay away from them for your safety until further notice.”

As for the continued threats from the Houthis, their missiles have not been effective:

The terror group’s missiles fired at Israel were intercepted by Arrow interceptors and American THAAD anti-ballistic missiles.

The Houthis are not backing down from attacking Israel although they agreed with the US to stop attacking ships:

Last week, the head of Yemen’s Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, announced that the terror group would continue its attacks against Israel despite an impending ceasefire with the United States, citing the continuing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

In the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump announced that he had made a deal with the Houthis that the US would cease its strikes against them in exchange for an agreement that they would no longer disrupt trade routes.

And once again I say that Israel will need to eliminate the Houthis on their own. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem as they need to do what it takes to see that peace happen.