In a stark contrast to President Biden’s “don’t” doctrine, President-elect Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas to release American hostages before he takes office, stating “if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.” This message stands in contrast to Biden’s repeated warnings to Iran and other adversaries to “don’t” attack Israel, which has been met with continued hostility and aggression.
Trump’s warning comes as the war in the Middle East, which began on October 7, 2023, continues, with Hamas still holding 101 hostages, including seven Americans, in Gaza. The White House and Israeli government have worked to secure a hostage release deal, but so far, have been unsuccessful.
Trump’s language, which includes a promise to “make Iran regret” and to “hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America,” is a departure from Biden’s approach, which has been criticized as weak and ineffective.
Conservative security experts, such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have slammed the “don’t” doctrine, stating that it has failed to deter foreign adversaries. “The Administration keeps saying ‘don’t’ to Iran – but then does nothing to impose costs. This weakness means the risk from Iran continues to grow,” Pompeo tweeted.
As President Trump prepares to take office, his tough stance on the Middle East conflict is viewed as a welcome change by some, including Israeli leaders, who have praised his commitment to the release of the hostages and his demand for action against terrorism. “Thank you and bless you Mr. President-elect,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a post on social media. “We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!”
