Three days into Donald Trump’s post-election era, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s frequent calls with the President-elect signal the revival of a crucial partnership at a complex time. As regional fires flare in Gaza and Lebanon, the question isn’t just if Trump will support Netanyahu’s hardline policies but how far he’ll go to shape the outcome in a dramatically altered Middle East.
By: Abbas Changezi
Donald Trump was elected on a Wednesday, and since then, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already spoken with him three times. The initial call occurred just after the election, during which Netanyahu congratulated Trump and famously termed it “history’s greatest comeback.” The subsequent calls were equally significant, though details remain scarce from Trump’s team. Netanyahu, however, has shed some light on the substance of their talks.
“I have spoken three times with President-elect Donald Trump. These were good and very important conversations. The talks were designed to strengthen further the strong alliance between Israel and the United States. We see eye to eye on the Iranian threat in all its aspects and the dangers it poses. Additionally, we recognize the significant opportunities ahead for Israel in the realms of peace and expansion,” Netanyahu stated.
Common Ground and Strategic Priorities
The discussions between Trump and Netanyahu appear to focus on two primary issues: the perceived threat posed by Iran and Israel’s trajectory amidst ongoing conflicts. The frequency of these interactions—three calls in just five days—signals that Netanyahu has Trump’s attention, raising the question: Will Trump back Netanyahu in his full agenda?
During Trump’s previous tenure, U.S.-Israel relations were notably strong. He was pivotal in brokering the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, and he shifted U.S. policy by moving the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He also withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, basing his decision on intelligence shared by Netanyahu. Unsurprisingly, a poll found that 70% of Israelis supported Trump’s return to power, reflecting a hopeful expectation for policy continuity.
The Gaza War and Regional Complications
Despite optimism about Trump’s influence, current conditions pose new challenges. The Middle East has changed since his first term. Israel is embroiled in a war in Gaza and is also engaged in military operations in Lebanon. This reality stands at odds with Trump’s anti-war stance; he has often stated that wars are economically draining and has pushed for limited U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. Reports indicate that Trump has advised Netanyahu to end the Gaza war quickly to avoid a prolonged conflict.
This puts Netanyahu in a difficult position. His priority is the elimination of Hamas, an objective he is unlikely to abandon, especially given the political composition of his coalition, which is heavily influenced by far-right parties advocating a definitive military victory. Netanyahu must therefore weigh the risks: acquiescing to Trump’s suggestion to expedite the war’s end could undermine his leadership, but continuing the conflict might strain U.S.-Israel relations.
Biden’s Push for a Resolution
President Biden’s current administration also favors ending hostilities. He is set to meet with the Israeli president at the White House on Tuesday to discuss both the Gaza conflict and operations in Lebanon. Reports indicate that Biden is keen to see a ceasefire and start negotiations, though Israel’s cooperation remains uncertain.
Qatar’s Role in the Background
An important yet quieter participant in this scenario is Qatar, which has historically acted as an intermediary between Israel and Hamas. Recently, Qatar suspended ceasefire negotiations, declaring it would only resume them when both parties show genuine commitment. Although details are scant, reports suggest the suspension was influenced by Washington’s pressure on Qatar to curb Hamas’ activities in Doha. There was speculation about an agreement where Qatar would encourage Hamas to close its political office in the country—a claim Qatar has denied as inaccurate.
The Road Ahead
Biden’s administration is eager to see the conflict end, but Netanyahu’s resistance to compromise complicates matters. Meanwhile, Trump, potentially positioning himself for a return to the presidency, appears poised to confront these issues head-on. The coming months will prove pivotal for the geopolitical future of West Asia and will likely shape the strategies and alliances that emerge.
