The Unconventional Handshake Between Trump and Macron
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron have made headlines for their unusual interactions, particularly their handshake rituals. During a recent meeting at a peace summit, the two leaders engaged in what could be described as an arm-wrestling contest. This moment was captured by photographers and quickly became a topic of discussion.
Their handshakes have often been described as uncomfortable, with one instance in 2017 showing them locking hands for 29 seconds. At their most recent encounter, ahead of Trump’s speech on a day when 20 Israeli hostages were released and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were sent to the West Bank, the handshake took an unexpected turn.
Trump greeted Macron with a warm handshake before both placed their hands on each other’s upper arms. As they exchanged words, the interaction escalated into something resembling an arm wrestle, with each leader swinging the other’s hand from side to side. Eventually, Macron managed to free himself and moved away from the stage.
Trump’s Vision for the Middle East
During his speech at the Israeli parliament later that afternoon, Trump declared, “the dawn of a new Middle East.” This statement came just over two years after the Hamas invasion of Israel, which led to a devastating war in Gaza, resulting in the loss of about 67,000 lives.
“Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms,” Trump told the Knesset, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue peace instead of armed conflict. He emphasized that it was time to translate military victories into peace and prosperity for the entire region.
For the first time in two years, Hamas no longer holds any Israeli captives. Additionally, over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel will also be released as part of the agreement.
A History of Bizarre Handshakes
The relationship between Trump and Macron has been a source of fascination for global audiences over the past eight years. Their interactions have often involved enthusiastic handshakes that border on the bizarre.
In February, the pair awkwardly shook hands three times during a meeting in Washington DC to discuss a possible end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. Body language expert Judi James referred to this handshake as a “death clasp,” suggesting it was filled with signals of power and dominance.
During a May 2017 meeting ahead of the NATO summit in Brussels, Trump and Macron gripped hands so tightly that their knuckles turned white and their jaws clenched. Macron later described the handshake as a “moment of truth,” indicating he would not be intimidated.
Trump’s Transition to Global Peacemaker
The event in Jerusalem solidifies Trump’s transition from a New York dealmaker to a global peacemaker. This was evident when the Knesset honored him with a nearly three-minute standing ovation and cheers, chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump.”
Trump also extended an olive branch to Iran, stating, “The hand of friendship and cooperation is open.” He mentioned that his next project is to “get Russia done” and end the war in Ukraine.
His daughter Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also received major applause. Kushner and Witkoff have been praised for their role in negotiating the peace agreement.
Questions About the Ceasefire
Despite the positive developments, there are concerns about whether the ceasefire can hold beyond the release of hostages and prisoners. A senior Hamas official recently stated that disarmament is “out of the question,” emphasizing that demands for the group to hand over its weapons are non-negotiable.
Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has also stressed that the current ceasefire is temporary and that Israel retains the option to resume military operations if Hamas fails to meet the terms of the agreement, particularly regarding disarmament.
A Controversial Speech
While Trump was speaking, a protest briefly broke out as a Knesset member banged on his desk and began shouting. The activists were swiftly removed from the room. Trump dismissed the incident by joking about how “efficient” the security was.
He also criticized his predecessors for not prioritizing peace in the region. “All of the countries in the Middle East that could have what we’re doing now, it could have happened a long time ago, but it was strangled and set back almost irretrievably by the administrations of Barack Obama and then Joe Biden,” Trump said.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana invited Trump to address Israel’s main legislative body during his visit to oversee a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas that he brokered. “You, President Donald J. Trump, are a colossus,” Ohana proclaimed as Trump sat next to him in the Knesset. “Thousands of years from now, the Jewish people will remember you.”
