One Israeli official said that in their recent meetings with several senior Israeli ministers, former Trump advisers did not rule out the possibility of the president-elect supporting the move, but stressed that it should not be treated as an “inevitable outcome.”
According to a second official, the controversial move would face severe backlash from US allies in the Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which Trump could rely on to address more pressing foreign policy goals, such as “countering Iranian aggression, competing against China, and reaching a resolution.” An agreement to end the war in Ukraine.”
This official revealed that one of Trump’s former aides told an Israeli minister that the second Trump administration would not support the application of Israeli sovereignty over the settlements “in isolation from any context,” just as it did not do so in 2020.
After the Palestinian Authority immediately rejected Trump’s 2020 “Peace to Prosperity” proposal, the Trump administration worked with Israel to plan a partial annexation of the West Bank, but this effort was postponed in exchange for the UAE agreeing to normalize relations with Israel.
The commitment made by the United States to the UAE to prevent the Israeli annexation move is set to expire at the end of 2024, but a former Trump official told The Times of Israel that the terms of American support for Tel Aviv in applying its sovereignty over the settlements are not expected to change radically. .
“If that happens, it has to be part of the process,” he added.
It is noteworthy that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said in a statement yesterday, Monday, that the year 2025 will be “the year of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), thanks to Trump’s return to office, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said last week that “this is the time for sovereignty.” .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced on Friday that Israel’s next ambassador to the United States will be Yechiel Leiter, a former settler leader who has called for the annexation of large parts of the West Bank and against the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Source: “The Times of Israel”
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Cohen, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. We’ve heard from an Israeli official regarding discussions between some former Trump advisers and Israeli ministers about possible support for certain controversial policies. What can you tell us about the significance of these discussions?
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. These discussions are significant because they highlight the evolving relationship between the incoming U.S. administration and Israeli leadership. The fact that former advisers are discussing potential support for policies suggests that while there may be continuity, the outcome is not guaranteed. It’s vital for both sides to tread carefully.
**Editor:** You mentioned continuity—can you elaborate on how this might manifest in U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning the Gulf allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
**Dr. Cohen:** Definitely. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have strategic interests that could be at risk if controversial measures are taken without their support. They are key players in U.S. efforts to counter Iranian influence and manage relationships in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, especially with the rise of China. If the U.S. administration were to push forward with decisions that alienate these allies, it could compromise those larger goals.
**Editor:** The statement mentioned that these potential moves shouldn’t be seen as inevitable. What does that reflect about the current political climate in the region?
**Dr. Cohen:** That reflects a notable level of caution. The political climate is very dynamic right now, with various factions both within Israeli politics and the U.S. It indicates that while there is potential for alignment, there are also significant obstacles. Diplomatic relations can be complex, and both sides will have to weigh the risks and benefits of any bold steps carefully.
**Editor:** In terms of international relations, how important is it for the U.S. to maintain positive ties with Gulf allies?
**Dr. Cohen:** It’s crucial. The Gulf states are not just allies; they play a pivotal role in energy security, counterterrorism, and maintaining regional stability. The U.S. relies on their cooperation to address growing threats, and a rift could lead to far-reaching consequences not just for the Gulf region, but also for U.S. foreign policy objectives globally.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Cohen. It seems there’s much to consider as we watch these developments unfold.
**Dr. Cohen:** Absolutely, and I look forward to seeing how this plays out in the coming months. Thank you for having me.
