Since the founding of the United States, the architectural marvel that is the White House has seen no better friend to Israeli interests than Donald Trump. Yet, the truth of the matter is that, despite his seemingly unrelenting support, it was abundantly clear that there were pivotal instances where Trump’s actions effectively undermined Israel’s central interests and concerns, revealing a less than perfect ally. This point has been hailed as a miracle by some policymakers – just not the miracle that Trump might have wanted to be associated with.
Trump’s obdurate loyalty to Israel was evidenced by his bold steps to demonstrate it at various junctures. He recognized the undivided city of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital. He initiated a shift of the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, evidently aligning with history’s call but ignoring other serious contemporary concerns. Additionally, he acknowledged Israel’s sovereignty over the politically sensitive Golan Heights.
Trump also deemed Jewish settlements within Judea and Samaria as rightful unless overruled by Israeli courts, marking a remarkable shift in the United States’ long-standing policies. His stance on Gaza also raised eyebrows among international observers when he advocated for the complete eviction of Arabs. In a clear sign of favoritism, the Trump administration consistently enforced strict sanctions against educational institutions accused of anti-Semitic behavior.
The American arms embargo on Israel was not only lifted during Trump’s tenure, but arms shipments previously agreed upon were also markedly increased. The ambassadors he selected for Israel were exceptionally fervent in their support, publicly advocating for Israel to integrate Judea and Samaria fully into its jurisdiction. They controversially claimed that the territories were of divine Jewish origin and that ‘Palestine’ was an illusion.
The strong-handed moves didn’t end there. The Trump White House expelled the Palestinian Liberation Organization (P.L.O.) from Washington, D.C. The regime also terminated funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Notably, the U.S. was extracted from the U.N. Human Rights Council under Trump’s watch.
Additionally, Trump commuted a harsh sentence for an Orthodox Jew in an anti-Semitic state, raising questions about selective justice. His administration was also at the forefront of the astonishing Abraham Accords. The considerable advancements gained from the Accords were abruptly halted by the Democratic administration, led clumsily by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who entered the scene and dramatically slowed the momentum.
Nevertheless, despite Trump’s substantial actions, it’s crucial to remember that our fate is not dictated by any single individual, but by a higher power. An intriguing development emerged when Trump initiated an unexpected pact with the Yemeni Houthi rebels. According to the deal, America would halt their bombing campaigns on the Houthis, granted they ceased their attacks on American marine interests in the Red Sea. Regrettably, the agreement provided no safeguard for Israel.
Trump also began striking deals with Saudi Arabia that surprisingly omitted any nudging of Saudi Arabia towards Israel, a long-standing strategy of previous administrations. He pressured Israel into releasing numerous Arab prisoners, seemingly for the sake of creating a façade of peacemaking and hostage liberation from his earliest days in the Oval Office.
A significant blow to U.S.- Israel relations under Trump’s watch was the imposition of substantial tariffs on Israel, once again spotlighting the selfish nature of Trump’s foreign policy. Trump’s dogged persistence on prioritizing American interests above all else was evident in these actions, proving that his supposed loyalty to Israel wasn’t boundless.
Although some Israeli interests fortuitously aligned with Trump’s policies, it’s a harsh reminder not to place absolute trust in even the ‘best American president’ that Israel has reputedly ever known. Without dependable allies, Israel might need to tackle regional issues independently, relying on its resilience, divine providence, and strategic acumen.
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