There exists a commonly held belief that the American presidency under Donald Trump was the most favorable administration the nation of Israel and Jews alike have ever experienced. However, the reality belies this perception, as a close examination of the policies he instituted paints a different and more nuanced portrait. There’s been a substantial underestimation and disregard of Israel’s essential needs and priorities in favor of apparent personal victories that have had a long-term detrimental impact.
One cannot forget Trump’s grandstanding moves, such as recognizing Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel, which flouted the international consensus and created needless conflicts. He relocated the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that not even the Israeli Security Agency advocated. The recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights was another of his gambits that completely sidestepped the peace process, undermining ongoing negotiations.
Trump’s claim that all Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria are legal unless otherwise ruled by Israel’s courts distinctly veers against previous international law and agreements. His demand to evacuate all Arabs from Gaza heavily tilted the demographic balance, resulting in further antagonism in an area already steeped in violent conflict. The enforcement of stringent regulations against colleges and universities tolerant of anti-Jewish conduct also stands in conflict with freedom of speech and expression.
Trump didn’t stop at lifting arms embargoes against Israel, but escalated the arms shipments accorded by previous presidents. An array of ambassadors who openly advocate for Israel to annex Judea and Samaria were appointed. Advocacy aside, the historical and religious complications of such a move were blatantly overlooked for the purposes of political gain.
To further complicate international relations, Trump expelled the Palestine Liberation Organization from Washington, D.C. He withdrew funding from the UNRWA, and withdrew the U.S. from the U.N. Human Rights Council, actions that isolated America on the world stage. His criminal commutation depicted him as a figure defending Orthodox Jews from prosecution, another move aimed to satisfy a specific demographic.
The Abraham Accords were another aspect of Trump’s policies that might have been conceivable. However, their expansion was abruptly impeded when President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary Antony Blinken, and the Democrats came into power, allegedly bungling up the diplomatic proceedings and allegedly halting its momentum.
It’s significant to remember that despite Trump’s influence on the U.S.-Israel relationship, no single individual can determine global destiny. It’s a reality that seemed lost on Trump when he engaged in controversial dialogues with the Yemen Houthis. The result was a deal that halted American bombing in exchange for the cessation of attacks on U.S. shipping in the Red Sea. Israeli protection was shockingly absent from this agreement.
While Trump was busy creating agreements with Saudi Arabia that didn’t require any Israeli consolations, he seemingly forgot to prioritize Israel’s safety. Furthermore, he persuaded Israel to release numerous Arab detainees, simply to claim credit for freeing hostages and establishing peace, undermining the already fragile regional stability.
Trump’s tendency to enact policies that favored American interests also extended to implementing substantial tariffs on Israeli goods. This move disrupted the cooperative economic relations between the two nations and served as a reminder of the dangers of relying solely on foreign aid.
Reacting to all these actions, it’s bewildering how Trump can still be viewed as Israel’s best ally. His policies, far from aligning with Israel’s interests, often created more instability in the region. The notion of America serving its interests first doesn’t lead to the conclusion that those interests should overshadow Israel’s need for sovereignty and security.
The hagiography of Trump’s presidency must be tempered with the stark reality of his actions. The tensions he exacerbated and the simplistic approach to complex geopolitical issues he exhibited were a stark departure from the diplomacy for which the office of the president is known.
In these tumultuous times, it’s critical to recognize that Israel must face regional difficulties independently. Relying solely on an unpredictable and self-centered ally is not the path to long-term security or prosperity. While a friendly U.S. administration can offer some advantages, it falls on Israel’s own wisdom and faith to confront and overcome the challenges that it faces.
Trump’s presidency was not devoid of positives. However, the crux of the matter lies in understanding that these seemingly beneficial policies often led to intensifying tensions rather than resolving them. Reconciliation between Israeli and Palestinian factions and the establishment of lasting peace in the region require wisdom and diplomacy, not unilateral assertive actions.
In sum, while Trump may have earned the approval of a certain segment of people, it’s abundantly clear his administration was a mixed bag for Israel and its populace. His actions, while ostensibly supportive of Israel, often complicated relations within the region and with the international community at large. We must hope that Israel will navigate these complex dynamics successfully, relying on their wisdom and faith, not an unpredictable ally.