The Media Line: President Trump Warns of Renewed Fighting as Likud MK Chikli Gives Ceasefire 50% Chance of Holding  

President Trump Warns of Renewed Fighting as Likud MK Chikli Gives Ceasefire 50% Chance of Holding  

By The Media Line Staff  

President Donald Trump warned that fighting would resume “bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before” if Iran fails to comply with a ceasefire agreement, while Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said he gives the truce only a “50% chance” of holding.  

US ships, aircraft and personnel remain deployed with additional ammunition and weaponry and are prepared to act if necessary against what he described as “a substantially degraded enemy,” President Trump added.   

“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” he said, adding that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.  

“In the meantime our great Military is Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest. AMERICA IS BACK!”  

Chikli, a member of the ruling Likud party, criticized the ceasefire in an interview with 103FM radio, calling it premature. “I think it was a mistake to go to a ceasefire at this time. Countries like these, the Japanese Empire, Nazi Germany, you need to bring them to their knees,” he said.  

He said the ceasefire has only a “50% chance” of lasting, while arguing that Israel achieved significant results during the fighting. “Iran lost its status as a regional power,” he said, adding that its Axis of Resistance has “collapsed.”  

“I look at whether we brought about massive achievements, whether we created a new reality in the north, on the border with Gaza, in the Middle East? The answer is yes, yes, and yes,” he said.  

Disputes over the terms of the ceasefire remain unresolved. Iran and the United States have presented differing accounts, particularly regarding nuclear activity and maritime access.  

Iran has not fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz, citing alleged violations, and has indicated it may impose fees for passage, while the White House has said access will remain free. Gulf states were targeted by missile strikes on Tuesday.  

Questions also persist over the scope of the agreement. Pakistan initially said Lebanon was included, but Trump told PBS that Israeli operations against Hezbollah were not part of the deal. Iran warned Wednesday night that continued strikes against Hezbollah could jeopardize the ceasefire.