Donald Trump’s return to power has sparked celebrations in Israel, especially among right-wing officials who view his presidency as a reaffirmation of U.S.-Israel ties. Polls indicate a strong preference for Trump over Kamala Harris among Israelis. Analysts warn that his election may lead to escalated violence in Gaza and further diminish hopes for a two-state solution, with Netanyahu likely to exploit Trump’s presidency.
The recent return of former President Donald Trump to power in the United States has elicited a fervent response from Israeli officials and citizens alike, with expressions of jubilation echoing throughout the nation. Shortly after election results confirmed his victory, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir took to social media, declaring “Yesssss” in celebration. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also swiftly congratulated Trump, characterizing his victory as an affirmation of the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States. Polling data reflects a noteworthy trend, revealing that approximately 65% of Israelis prefer Trump to his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, with 72% of Jewish respondents indicating that a Trump presidency would better serve Israel’s interests. Events preceding the election demonstrated a growing alignment between Israel’s right-wing factions and the Republican Party, suggesting a shift in public opinion since the 2020 elections. Analysts indicate that Trump’s re-election heralds a potentially significant change in the dynamics of US-Israel relations, particularly as it pertains to foreign policy in Gaza and the West Bank. During his first term, Trump took actions that were favorable to Israeli interests, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and acknowledging Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. His administration sought to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states through the Abraham Accords. Conversely, the Biden administration has taken a more critical stance on Israel’s actions, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, leading to perceived tensions in US-Israel relations. There is mounting apprehension among Palestinian advocates and analysts who warn that Trump’s return may bolster Israel’s conduct towards Gaza and further undermine the prospect of a two-state solution. With Netanyahu facing pressure both domestically and internationally, the expectation has arisen that he may exploit Trump’s presidency for greater autonomy in military engagements. Statements from political experts indicate concerns that the return of Trump marks a regress in the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, as many believe that his administration will support aggressive Israeli policies in the region, possibly bringing an end to hopes of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state. Observers emphasize that the upcoming Trump administration is unlikely to offer substantial changes in immediate US support for Israel, yet the ramifications of his presidency loom large in the context of ongoing violence. Amidst the polarized socio-political landscape, voices advocating for restraint raise alarms on the potential escalation of violence as they condemn the alignment of Netanyahu and Trump’s agendas, foreseeing a grim prospect as conflicts persist unmitigated. Ultimately, many analysts conclude that the re-entry of Donald Trump into American political leadership signals a return to previously established aggressive policies towards Israel and Palestine, resulting in ongoing violence that is described as “slaughter as usual.”
The article discusses the reaction within Israel to Donald Trump’s victory in the recent U.S. elections, particularly focusing on the sentiments expressed by Israeli officials and polls reflecting public opinion. It underscores the historical context of U.S.-Israel relations under Trump, including significant decisions made during his presidency that favor Israeli interests and the potential implications of his return for future diplomacy in the region, especially concerning Gaza and the viability of a two-state solution.
In summary, Donald Trump’s re-election has been met with enthusiastic approval in Israel, particularly among far-right officials and a significant portion of the populace. This shift in sentiment underscores a broader alignment with Republican policies, which many analysts believe may exacerbate tensions in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. As expectations grow for more aggressive Israeli policies under Trump’s influence, the fear of further violence and a departure from the two-state solution remains prevalent among critics and advocates for peace.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
