Donald Trump's second term as U.S. president arrives amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, but how will his America First agenda sit with his role as an international peacemaker?
The President-elect has promised to stop the regional conflict, yet his previous pro-Israel stance, coupled with campaign demands to end Gaza's war swiftly, casts uncertainty over his approach. With isolationist voices in the Republican Party and Trump's unpredictable style, his role in the current crises remains unclear.
The ongoing Gaza war, Israel's clashes with Hezbollah, and Iran's nuclear program add urgency to Trump's promises but pose formidable diplomatic and military challenges.
Promises of Peace Amid Conflict
Trump has repeatedly called for an end to the Gaza war. "Get it over with and let's get back to peace and stop killing people," he urged in April, following Israel's military response to Hamas' October attacks. Gaza officials report over 43,000 deaths following Israel's offensive, with more than half the victims claimed to be women and children.
International mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have so far failed to secure a ceasefire. Yet Trump's calls to "finish the job" against Hamas leave ambiguity, with questions about whether he supports Israel's full autonomy in Gaza or a quick end to hostilities.
The Gaza conflict has led to widespread condemnation of Israel, with two international courts investigating potential war crimes. Protests across American campuses have sparked debate about U.S. support for Israel.
Trump's approach in the past has emphasized backing Israel unequivocally, but it remains unclear if he'll push for diplomatic resolutions or condone extended military operations.
Netanyahu and Trump: A Complex Alliance
A second Trump presidency could renew Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hopes for unrestrained U.S. support.
Trump's earlier presidency recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, endorsed Israel's claim over the Golan Heights, and fostered regional ties without requiring Palestinian peace progress.
Netanyahu's alignment with Trump on Iran and Palestinian issues strengthens his appeal to Israel's far-right factions, who back Gaza resettlement and advocate for Palestinian Authority exclusion.
Netanyahu, who has struggled with Biden's more conditional support, may anticipate a warmer reception from Trump, along with a U.S. ally against any international legal challenges. A stronger U.S.-Israel bond could also bolster Netanyahu's domestic popularity as he confronts internal pressures to secure a decisive victory over Hamas.
Iran and Hezbollah: An Uncertain Path Forward
The U.S. and Israel are also contending with Hezbollah's forces in Lebanon, which have fired thousands of rockets at Israel, killing dozens. Israel's offensive has led to mass displacement in Lebanon, while U.S. diplomacy has yet to yield a ceasefire.
Trump has indicated he might continue supporting Israel's regional defense while maintaining his America First focus, but an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities could shift this stance.
Trump's antipathy toward Iran has grown, with accusations of Iranian interference in his campaign and fears of retaliation. Yet, the influence of evangelical Christians and advisers supportive of Israel could pressure him to maintain U.S. engagement, making Trump's Middle East strategy a balance between domestic and foreign priorities.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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