President Donald Trump’s recent trip to the Middle East has raised eyebrows, especially regarding his relationship with Israel. Historically, Trump has positioned himself as a staunch ally of Israel, making significant moves like relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and endorsing Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. However, his current approach suggests a shift towards a more balanced stance.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may need to reconsider his expectations of Trump. Their relationship has been built on mutual interests, but these interests are starting to diverge. Netanyahu’s ongoing military actions in Palestine are driven by his need to maintain his political power, while Trump appears eager to secure a significant international deal, potentially at Israel’s expense.
One major point of contention is Iran. Israel has long sought to involve the U.S. in military actions against Iran, particularly concerning its nuclear program. However, Trump seems to be leaning towards negotiating a new nuclear deal with Iran, reminiscent of the agreement established during President Obama’s administration. This shift could mean that Trump might bypass Netanyahu’s aggressive stance, opting instead for diplomacy to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In addition, Trump has made moves to engage with the Houthis in Yemen, who have been attacking Israel and international shipping in the Red Sea. He has ceased U.S. military actions against the Houthis in exchange for a halt to attacks on American shipping, although the Houthis have not committed to stopping their assaults on Israel.
Moreover, Trump appears to be exploring negotiations with Hamas regarding the future governance of Gaza. This comes at a time when Israel is intensifying its military operations against the group. Interestingly, prior to recent escalations, Israel had covertly supported Hamas to create divisions among Palestinians, which has complicated peace efforts.
Trump’s current actions may ultimately benefit Israel, even if they do not align with Netanyahu’s immediate political needs. By seeking to contain Iran’s nuclear program and potentially ending the conflict in Gaza, Trump could help Israel avoid deeper entanglements and humanitarian crises.
As the situation evolves, there is speculation that if Netanyahu loses power, Trump might even revive discussions around a two-state solution, which many see as the best hope for lasting peace in the region.