U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing whether to urge Israel to release prominent Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti, a move that could reshape the dynamics of Middle East peace talks. In a recent interview with Time magazine, Trump revealed that he was actively discussing the issue, saying, “I am literally being confronted with that question about 15 minutes before you called. That was the question of the day. So I’ll be making a decision.”
Barghouti, 66, has been imprisoned in Israel for more than 20 years and is serving five life sentences plus 40 years after being convicted in 2004 for his alleged role in orchestrating attacks during the Second Palestinian Intifada. Despite his sentence, Barghouti maintains his innocence, and his imprisonment continues to be a focal point of Palestinian politics. He is widely regarded as one of the few figures capable of uniting rival Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas.
In an earlier interview with Time on October 15, Trump acknowledged that Palestinians currently lack a clear, visible leader and hinted that Barghouti could emerge as a unifying force capable of advancing a two-state solution. His comments have reignited discussions about the potential political impact of Barghouti’s release, especially as peace negotiations remain stagnant.
Barghouti’s enduring popularity stems from his leadership role during the 2000 uprising and his continued influence behind bars. Supporters see him as a symbol of resistance and reconciliation, while critics warn that his release could heighten tensions with Israel. As Trump contemplates his next move, the question of Barghouti’s freedom could become a defining issue in future U.S. involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.