Oct 16, 2025
3 min read
Tom Bateman traveled to Israel and Egypt on Air Force One with President Donald Trump. In this chronicle, he tells first-hand the details of this whirlwind tour to sign the agreement with which the United States is trying to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Diplomatic Whirlwind I experienced during the 24 hours of Trump's trip to the Middle East
- Author, Tom Bateman
- Title of the author, correspondent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on board the President
US President Donald Trump's one-day visit to the Middle East coincides with the signing of the Gaza Accord - the accord that came into force and remains one of the most critical moments so far after two years of catastrophic war.
Trump's characterization was sharp, using simple, strong messages, as he often does: the biggest breakthrough in three millennia.
Early on Tuesday morning, he noted that it was "a historic day to say the least".In the past, he pointed out that under his leadership "Eternal Peace" in a region that has been suffering from violence for a long time.
As part of the press corps covering the White House, we traveled on Air Force One, so I found myself at the center of this American diplomatic tornado.
As we approached Tel Aviv, the presidential plane made a turn and flew over the beach.He tilted one wing so we could see a giant banner above the sand saying "thank you" to Trump and showing the Israeli flag as well as the caption of a statue of the president of the United States in the shape of an American president.
The maneuver set the mood for a trip that was more celebratory than an exercise in hammering out important details and launching the "second phase" of talks and securing a long-term future for Gaza.
The deal reached last week in Doha came under intense pressure from Trump.
It marked one of the most profound moments for millions of people in two years: major fighting in Gaza ceased, live hostages held by Hamas were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and Palestinians in Gaza returned to the ruins of their homes in the north amid a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.
But I discovered that Trump's journey is actually a stop along the way, not a destination: a fragile return to an old conflict that shows no good signs.
The biggest question of the trip was whether or not Trump's deal would work, and perhaps even more difficult, the negotiators who would come out of that deal.
During the flight, Trump spoke to us again. Standing at the gate when we met, he clearly wanted to foster a sense of accomplishment, frequently referring to his own role in negotiating the deal.
"All countries are dancing in the streets," he repeated.
I pressed him on whether the truce would remain intact. He was sure it was, saying "there are many reasons to keep it."
But he neglected to talk about the future, especially how to secure and govern Gaza.
I asked him about the proposed multinational force, or International Stabilization Force (ISF), which is outlined in his 20-point plan, but whose existence has not yet been agreed upon by all sides.
"It's going to be a huge, powerful force," Trump said.He added that it should be used "barely", because "people will behave, everyone knows their place".
Tal Iavi, Israel's Prime Minister Bebein, was welcomed by Netanyahu with a red carpet and military entourage from Trump.Then we set full speed on the Motor TV in Jerusalem for Jerusalem.
That same day, thousands of people flocked to watch a giant screen in a public square known as Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
They shed tears of joy and relief when Hamas freed the hostages in Gaza.Trump's arrival was the other half of this divisive moment: images of the US president stepping into Israeli territory.
The situation in the Israeli parliament
On foot, Israel's parliament is more surprising than the streets.Red Baseball uniforms provided by the staff, and worn by other participants, read "President Peace."
Onlookers from the gallery behind me shouted, "Thank you, Trump!"Deputies were banging on their desks.Trump hailed the "historic dawn of a new Middle East."
He also wanted to make it clear that the war was over.
His speech led to widespread attacks on his political opponents in the United States.He praised a major donor to his election campaign, who was sitting in the gallery.
He could also plead with Israeli Isaac Herzog, sitting next to him, to pardon Netanyahu, who is convicted of corruption, and the Prime Minister of Israel denied.
"Who cares about cigars and champagne?" Trump shouted, referring to allegations that Netanyahu accepted expensive gifts.
There are "Aramot" - "Briglers", less than seven hours in Israel, the Delegibution that has left to Ben Gurion airfield brought us and the delegation.
Stop in Egypt
We flew to Sharm el-sheikh, Egypt, the site that led to last week's raid.
On the way down, we were picked up by F-16s F-16s: The image of the president who likes to show military power.Trump wanted to celebrate every moment of the day.
But the problems in this area have many obvious problems: he said the agreement before the end.
This is reflected in the huge sign, written in large letters, above the presidential podium in Sharm el-Sheikh: "PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST".There I witnessed the extraordinary scene of world leaders entering a room to support Trump as he delivered his peace speech.
They lined up in front of their national flags and listened as he listed his countries one by one.Trump was introduced on stage by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who said the goal remains a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
Trump's position has changed dramatically since his first year.
He became increasingly angry with the Israeli leadership and turned to his Gulf friends.This is a diplomatic move by the Europeans for Israel, which has convinced the leaders of the watchful Salei that it will decide on Israel from the escalation of tensions in Gaza.
Trump then took a U-turn, addressing his Gulf allies, whose wealth and "power" he often referred to during the trip.
Trump presided over the signing ceremony in Sharm El Sheikh.He declared that it took "3,000 years" to get here.But there are still many years, and it will take more than one person to achieve it.
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