On Inauguration Day, we report that a pro-Hezbollah imam scheduled to deliver a benediction was absent from the program following MEF’s exposure of his radical background. We then offer several analyses of the recently-announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Conclusions, while critical, range from “horrendous” and “double-pandering” to proffering that a “silver lining” could outweigh the agreement’s more immediate shortcomings. If, that is, the ceasefire holds at all—a proposition that is by no means certain. We note that fans of the deal include domestic Islamists, some of whom met with the incoming FBI director, before ending with an analysis of how the U.S. can leverage pressure on Hamas to secure the release of American hostages.

News: Pro-Hezbollah Imam Absent from Inauguration; MEF Had Exposed Him

Imam Husham Al-Husainy, known for his pro-Hezbollah stance, was absent from President Donald Trump's inauguration following a report from MEF.

Why it matters: The absence highlights the influence of informed investigative journalism in holding figures accountable and ensuring that the platform of the presidential inauguration is not used to promote ideas that do not align align with our national values.

Media coverage: Our report prompted widespread media attention, including coverage from the New York Post and Fox News, amplifying the public's call for Al-Husainy's removal.

Role of journalism: Sam Westrop, director of MEF’s Islamist Watch program, emphasized the need to hold government accountable so that it reflects the nation's values.

To read the full press release, click here.

Trump and the Art of the Double Pander

President Donald Trump's diplomatic approach in the Middle East has, so far, been a game of balancing between pro-Israel interests and pandering to Islamist constituencies.

Why it matters: Trump’s strategy to pander to both sides could have significant repercussions, negatively affecting peace negotiations and regional stability.

Hamas-Israel agreement: The recent agreement reveals the shortcomings of Trump's diplomatic maneuvers, with mixed reactions from both domestic and international communities.

Netanyahu's dilemma: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure from Trump's unpredictable tactics, affecting Israel's foreign policy decisions and regional alliances.

To read the full article, click here.

The Momentous, ‘Horrific’ Hamas-Israel Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced immense pressure to negotiate with Hamas for the release of hostages, leading to a ceasefire agreement with significant implications.

Why it matters: The deal demonstrates President Trump's ability to force Prime Minister Netanyahu to accept a deal that works against Israel's national security interests.

Hostage vs. victory: Despite Netanyahu's initial preference for a decisive victory, the overwhelming push from both international allies – namely President Donald Trump – and domestic advocates prioritized the hostages' return over military objectives.

What it means: Given American incompetence in this deal, free countries should reduce their dependence on Washington and more actively determine their futures.

To read the full article, click here.

A Flawed Ceasefire, but a Chance to Stop Iran

Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas, while flawed, opens a strategic window to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Why it matters: The temporary ceasefire allows Israel to refocus military efforts on Iran, potentially curbing Tehran’s nuclear program and influence.

Shift in strategy: By aligning with the Trump administration, Israel aims to gain U.S. support for military resources needed to target Iran’s nuclear sites.

Potential outcomes: If successful, this could lead to a significant geopolitical shift, reducing Iran’s regional power and preventing nuclear proliferation.

To read the full article, click here.

WATCH: Israel and Hamas Have a Peace Deal? Not So Fast – Jim Hanson on BlazeTV

Jim Hanson, MEF’s chief editor, critiques the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal, calling it one-sided but unlikely to last.

Why it matters: The agreement releases hundreds of Hamas prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages, reflecting President Trump's influence but potentially setting the stage for future conflicts.

Hanson's perspective: Hanson argues that the deal, driven by the Trump administration's pressure, showcases U.S. strength but he doubts Hamas will adhere to the terms, foreseeing Israel's military re-engagement.

Future implications: As the Trump administration takes office, expect new dynamics in U.S.-Israel relations, including continued military actions against Hamas if negotiations falter.

To watch the full segment, click here.

It’s Not Just Gaza. After the Ceasefire, Hamas Will Win the West Bank Too

The ceasefire deal pressured by the Biden and Trump administrations may inadvertently empower Hamas to expand its influence to the West Bank.

Why it matters: By allowing Hamas to claim “victory” in Gaza, the deal risks destabilizing Palestinian leadership and could see Hamas supplanting the Palestinian Authority after Mahmoud Abbas dies.

Hamas's strategic move: The terrorist group aims to leverage its perceived success in Gaza to gain control in the West Bank, exploiting the leadership vacuum post-Abbas.

Regional implications: As Hamas strengthens its position, Jordan and other neighboring countries may face increased security challenges, adversely affecting the broader Middle East stability.

To read the full article, click here.

Michigan Islamists Applaud Trump’s Pressure on Israel, Meet With FBI Director Nominee

Prominent Michigan Islamists, including Samraa Luqman, are praising President Donald Trump for pressuring Israel into a ceasefire, highlighting his continued influence on U.S. foreign policy.

Why it matters: Trump's engagement with Islamist activists reflects a strategic alliance, swaying voter sentiments and Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Political dynamics: The Abandon Biden campaign, supported by CAIR and other Islamist groups, underscores a shift in Muslim voter support toward Trump, influenced by promises of Middle East policy changes.

Future implications: The incoming administration's ties with Islamist figures could reshape U.S.-Israel relations and present challenges in balancing national security interests with diplomatic outreach.

To read the full article, click here.

No Mercy, No Exceptions: How to Pry Americans from Hamas’s Grasp

The U.S. could leverage sanctions to pressure Hamas and its international supporters, aiming to secure the release of American hostages.

Why it matters: Historical precedents show that economic pressure can effectively protect American citizens and deter threats without military intervention.

Sanctions strategy: By targeting the financial networks sustaining Hamas, the U.S. can undermine the group's ability to hold hostages and deter future aggression.

Potential outcomes: If successful, this approach could isolate Hamas, disrupt its funding channels, and pressure regional actors to withdraw support, bolstering U.S. influence in the Middle East.

To read the full article, click here.

Further Reading:

As the new Trump administration settles in, MEF will continue to analyze the implications and effectiveness of its policies as they pertain to the Middle East, U.S. foreign policy, and Islamism in the West. We will also cover other news and developments within our mission at home and abroad, from Syria’s uncertain future to American academe—and more. Thank you for relying on us for analyses of both breaking news and (supposedly) steady trends. We’ll be in touch again soon.

Sincerely,
Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, MEF
Director, Campus Watch