Israel Celebrates Trump’s Return: Prospects for Gaza and U.S.-Israeli Relations

Israel’s officials and public express strong support for Donald Trump’s return to power, viewing it as a positive development for U.S.-Israeli relations. Analysts suggest Trump’s policies may embolden Netanyahu, undermine the two-state solution, and perpetuate military actions in Gaza, reflecting a troubling trajectory for Palestinian interests.

In response to the recent return of Donald Trump to political power following the U.S. elections, Israeli officials have expressed jubilant reactions, signifying a strong pro-Trump sentiment within Israel. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, publicly celebrated on social media, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly congratulated Trump, framing the victory as a reaffirmation of the enduring alliance between the United States and Israel. Public opinion polls conducted prior to the election indicated a solid preference for Trump among Israelis, with approximately 65 percent favoring him over his opponent, Kamala Harris. Notably, among Jewish respondents, this figure surged to 72 percent, signifying a marked shift toward Republican support since similar polls conducted during the previous election cycle. Analysts, including pollster Mitchell Barak, have suggested that the atmosphere in Israel is one of celebration, viewing Trump’s election as a pivotal moment for the nation. This sentiment is contrasted sharply with the preceding Biden administration, which faced criticism from Israelis due to its cautious stance regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Trump’s track record during his first term includes actions that have significantly bolstered Israel’s position regionally, such as recognizing Jerusalem as its capital, moving the U.S. embassy, and furthering normalization with certain Arab states through the Abraham Accords. These actions reinforced the perception of Trump as an ally to Israel, diverging from the more reserved approach of the Biden administration. The prospect of Trump’s return raises concerns regarding the trajectory of U.S.-Israeli relations, particularly about the viability of a two-state solution, which many analysts believe could effectively end. Analysts have noted that Trump’s administration is expected to embolden Netanyahu’s government, allowing for unhampered military action in Gaza and the West Bank, which has been met with international scrutiny due to the devastating consequences of such actions. Critics have described the upcoming collaboration between Trump and Netanyahu as potentially disastrous for Palestinian prospects, with statements indicating that a violent status quo may be perpetuated. Observers have cautioned that while immediate changes may be scarce, Netanyahu’s administration is likely to exploit Trump’s support to further its agenda in the region.

The article discusses the reactions from Israeli officials and the public to Donald Trump’s return to political power following the recent U.S. elections. Trump’s past policies, which heavily favored Israel, have garnered him substantial support from Israeli citizens, as shown in recent polls. The article also emphasizes the implications of his presidency on U.S.-Israeli relations, especially concerning military actions in Gaza and the viability of the two-state solution, which Trump’s support may effectively undermine. Analysts speculate that Trump’s administration will give Netanyahu significant leeway in executing his policies without fear of restraint from the U.S.

In conclusion, the return of Donald Trump to power has elicited enthusiastic responses from Israeli officials, reflecting a broader public sentiment favoring his policies. Analysts argue that Trump’s presidency may embolden the Netanyahu administration to pursue aggressive military strategies in Gaza and diminish the prospects for a two-state solution. This shift signifies a potential solidification of U.S.-Israeli relations at the expense of Palestinian interests, pointing toward a continuation of the existing violent status quo in the region.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com