Trump's Middle East Agenda: Normalization Over Annexation
Following the recent US presidential election, political editor Anna Brasky from the Israeli newspaper Maariv has raised concerns about the Israeli far right's ambitions to annex the West Bank. She suggests that President-elect Donald Trump is prioritizing the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia over the annexation plans. This shift in focus comes as Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other right-wing leaders advocate for what they term 'sovereignty' in Judea and Samaria, with Smotrich declaring 2025 as the target year for this initiative.
Brasky emphasizes that Trump's agenda is heavily influenced by the need to strengthen alliances in the face of Iranian threats. Trump's administration views defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia as paramount, suggesting that any annexation efforts could complicate these strategic goals. Notably, Mike Huckabee, Trump's appointed ambassador to Israel, hinted that while annexation is a possibility, it ultimately depends on Trump's direction, indicating a more cautious approach than some Israeli leaders anticipate.
Netanyahu's Strategic Negotiations with Saudi Arabia
Brasky posits that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may leverage the annexation plan as a bargaining tool in negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Drawing parallels to previous normalization deals with the UAE and Bahrain, she suggests that Netanyahu could offer annexation as part of a broader agreement with Riyadh. However, this strategy may require significant concessions regarding the Palestinian issue, particularly under pressure from Saudi Arabia.
The Israeli Prime Minister faces a challenging political landscape, as several members of his coalition oppose any return to negotiations aimed at establishing a Palestinian state. This internal dissent could hinder Netanyahu's ability to secure a favorable deal with Saudi Arabia, especially if it involves compromises that are unpopular within his government.
The Implications of Trump's Position on Iran
Brasky also highlights the complexities surrounding Trump's stance on Iran. While he has expressed unwavering support for Israel's security, there are indications that he may be reluctant to endorse military actions against Iran, fearing potential escalations. As the clock ticks, Netanyahu must navigate these intricate dynamics carefully if he hopes to achieve a historic agreement with Saudi Arabia, all while managing the expectations surrounding the West Bank annexation.
As the political landscape evolves, the focus remains on how these negotiations will unfold and what concessions may be necessary to foster lasting peace in the region.
