JERUSALEM / PNN/

 Israeli journalists and analysts have described the decision-making of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump as chaotic, with recent moves causing confusion and alarm.

Tal Shalev, a journalist for the Israeli news site Walla, commented on statements by both leaders, saying, "Ultimately, what we are witnessing is a state of disorder in decision-making. The message being conveyed to the families of the hostages, and to the Israeli public at large, is simply shocking."

He added, "The way the families are being handled reflects a continued insensitivity and detachment from their pain and concerns—not just for the hostage families but for the entire public."

Meanwhile, 103 FM radio broadcaster Udi Segal warned that Trump is "playing with fire." He stated, "From afar, he is pushing all sides to the brink, including Netanyahu himself."

Segal questioned how the situation could be managed with 76 hostages still in captivity, saying, "The prevailing sense is that there is no responsible figure taking charge. At this moment, what is needed is cunning, ambiguity, and accountability."

However, he noted that Netanyahu appears to be maneuvering cautiously, attempting to "avoid direct confrontation and decisive action."

Writing in the Israeli daily Haaretz, political analyst Amos Harel said both Trump and Netanyahu are "playing with fire," noting that the former U.S. president continues to challenge the diplomatic approach after months of stagnation under his predecessor, Joe Biden.

"Trump is shaping his proposals regarding the course of the conflict as an offer to Israel rather than a direct threat from the U.S., leaving the ball in Netanyahu’s court," Harel explained.

He pointed out that Trump's latest moves, including a controversial displacement plan, appear to be coordinated with the Israeli government. However, Harel cautioned against oversimplifying the situation: "Reality is not a Hollywood movie. And while Trump’s demand that Hamas immediately cease mistreating the hostages and release them is a legitimate one, he is still playing a dangerous game."

Assessing Hamas’s potential reaction, Harel questioned, "How will the group respond to this new American dictate? Does Hamas have anything to lose? And what will Israel and the U.S. do if it refuses? If Israel resumes its offensive in Gaza, will it necessarily lead to victory?"

Harel further challenged Netanyahu’s narrative, stating, "Despite Netanyahu’s promises, no decisive victory over Hamas has been achieved throughout months of war. So why assume that one will be achieved now? And how many hostages are still alive—and how many will die along the way?"