Israel's Risky Gamble on Trump’s Presidency
As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, various international publications have raised concerns regarding Israel's expectations of his leadership. While some in Israel may be optimistic about the potential benefits of a Trump victory, experts caution against excessive optimism. Haaretz emphasizes that Trump has historically prioritized his own interests, which may not align with the aspirations of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. The article suggests that Trump's second term could be even more extreme, potentially complicating Israel's strategic position in the region.
In a similar vein, Stephen Cook from Foreign Policy warns that while Trump is likely to push for an end to the conflict in Gaza, his approach will be heavily influenced by Israeli interests, sidelining critical humanitarian issues such as Palestinian deaths and aid. This could lead to dire consequences for the Palestinian population, as their plight may not be a priority in Trump's agenda.
Military Operations and Internal Israeli Politics
The Financial Times has reported on Israel's plans to intensify military actions in Lebanon and Gaza, with sources indicating that Netanyahu has reached an agreement with Trump to conclude these conflicts. However, this comes with the stipulation that no significant military operations will be undertaken before Trump officially resumes office on January 20. This arrangement reflects Trump's previous pro-Israel actions, including the controversial relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem.
Additionally, French newspaper Le Monde highlighted that Trump had urged Netanyahu to halt hostilities in Gaza before his inauguration, viewing this as a 'blank check' for future military support. Meanwhile, in The Guardian, former Israeli diplomat Eran Pinkas critiques Netanyahu's recent decision to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Galant, suggesting that it may have been a significant miscalculation. Pinkas warns that this dismissal could exacerbate internal unrest within Israel, further complicating the already volatile political landscape.
