Key Takeaways:
* Israel views President Trump’s re-election with hope amid ongoing conflict.
* Trump pledges to end wars that escalated during former President Biden’s tenure.
* Skeptics worry about Israeli position in potential peace deals.
* Israel may face challenges in security aid from the U.S. due to Trump’s foreign aid aversion.
* PM Netanyahu welcomes Trump back to office.
* Reimplementing previous successful Trump policies and re-examining failing Biden decisions may be on the cards.
* The Iran issue, the rebuilding of Gaza and the role of Qatar will be major points to watch in Trump’s second term.
Excitement and Optimism Amid Skepticism
As the dusk fell on Jerusalem, an air of cautious optimism pervaded the city. President Trump’s re-election sparked hope among Israelis as they faced one of their most challenging periods, which began on October 7th, 2023. For many, the winding down of Biden’s presidency and the start of Trump’s second term promises a shift in momentum to their favor in the Middle East.
However, this optimism also mixes with skepticism. There are concerns that Trump’s haste to resolve conflicts might leave Israel in a less-than-ideal position. The current wars, including those with Hamas and Hezbollah, have been a significant strain for the nation.
Support and Skepticism
Trump’s adamant stance against terrorism, showcased in his powerful message to Hamas during his RNC address, gave a robust reassurance to Israelis. This forceful posture seems more promising compared to the comparably passive approach of the Biden administration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first international leaders to congratulate Trump on his victory. The two leaders have generally maintained a productive working relationship, despite occasional conflict points.
However, concerns linger around Israel’s security aid from the U.S., which is due for renewal in 2028. Trump’s aversion to foreign aid and wars raises questions about the future assistance Israel can expect.
A Look Back to Move Forward
There’s speculation that Trump’s second term might mark a return to policies that brought peace and prosperity to the Middle East during his first term. The disastrous fallout from a hasty U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and Israel’s deep civil strife over judicial reforms, both under Biden’s watch, provide critical learning points for the re-elected president.
Trump’s successful Abraham Accords, which advanced peace in the region significantly by breaking away from the traditional approach to the Palestinian issue, may see a comeback. Additionally, a re-examination of UNRWA’s funding, after the organization’s role in several atrocities against Israelis, could be on Trump’s agenda.
Future Concerns Indirectly Connected
Three significant challenges lie ahead for the Trump administration – the fate of Gaza, the potential annexation of Judea and Samaria, and the threats from Iran and Qatar. How these are resolved will have significant implications for Israel and broader Middle East peace.
Trump will have to decide how to approach these issues, straddling his ties with Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, unseating the Hamas rule from the Gaza strip, thwarting Iran’s efforts in the Middle East, and managing the melting pot of civil unrest in Judea and Samari.
Trump’s path forward is a watchful waiting game for Israelis. With two months before his re-entry to office, there is much that could change, and much that could be influenced by his comeback. Amid all the uncertainty, one thing is clear – his approach towards the Middle East will be under a scrutinizing eye.