Already, Trump’s threat seems to have moved Hamas. On Thursday, the terrorist group said it would return to releasing Israeli hostages “according to the specified timetable.” It’s not clear whether that will satisfy Trump, who has said he wants an end to the drawn out process. Israel has also not yet responded to Hamas’ offer.

Once more, it’s impossible to tell whether Donald Trump is serious — or, if he is, whether he knows how to make his radical ambitions real.