The U.S. presidential election may alter the course of Middle Eastern relations, particularly regarding Israel. Donald Trump’s past presidency garnered him strong support in Israel due to his pro-Israeli policies, while Kamala Harris promotes a more humanitarian approach. Polls show favor for Trump among Israelis, but there are broader implications for U.S.-Palestinian relations and regional stability depending on the election outcome.
The upcoming United States presidential election could significantly influence the dynamics of the Middle East, particularly in relation to Israel. The last presidency of Donald Trump saw him garner immense favor among Israeli leaders, having made statements and decisions that were aligned with Israeli interests, notably recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and endorsing the nation’s claims to the Golan Heights, an area captured from Syria during the 1967 war. As the election approaches, both Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris present distinct potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy that could affect Israel and broader Middle Eastern relations. Residents in regions like Trump Heights, established in the Golan Heights, express apprehensions about ongoing regional conflicts, such as the escalating war with Hezbollah since the Hamas attacks on October 7. Many Israelis identify Trump as a staunch ally, advocating for unfiltered support and military backing against adversaries. In stark contrast, Kamala Harris’s tenure has been marked by a more humanitarian and diplomatic focus, evidenced by her calls for ceasefires and her statements regarding civilian suffering in Gaza. This has drawn criticism from certain Israeli factions who perceive such stances as overly accommodating to Palestinian narratives. Current polling indicates that a significant majority of Israelis favor Trump’s return to the presidency, viewing his administration as more favorable to Israeli interests when compared to Harris, whose approach is deemed more aligned with traditional bipartisan foreign policy. Despite both candidates exhibiting intentions to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and expand normalization agreements with Arab states, there remains a fundamental difference in their methodologies. Harris is expected to prioritize ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon first, reflecting a bottom-up approach, whereas Trump is posited to tackle regional issues through a top-down strategy, directly negotiating with Iran first. As discussions surrounding U.S. policy in the Middle East continue, public sentiment illustrates a desire among certain Israeli populations for a leader who embodies unwavering support for Israel. Meanwhile, the Palestinian perspective appears skeptical of any candidate, attributing historical failures of American policy to systemic bias towards Israel, which complicates hopes for an equitable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With significant global implications resting on the outcome of the November 5 election, stakeholders in the Middle East anxiously await the decisions of the American electorate, recognizing that U.S. policies will resonate deeply through their regions for years to come.
The United States has played a pivotal role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine. The historical context includes a shift in U.S. policy under various administrations, notably during Donald Trump’s presidency, where actions favored Israeli interests significantly. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and endorsing its territorial claims have contributed to changing dynamics within the region. In contrast, Democratic policies, as represented by Kamala Harris, have typically emphasized humanitarian concerns and diplomatic resolutions, often calling for ceasefires and emphasizing discussions surrounding Palestinian rights. As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the anticipated impact on these dynamics becomes increasingly relevant, with different foreign policy approaches at stake.
The potential re-election of Donald Trump or the election of Kamala Harris could lead to profound shifts in U.S. policy towards Israel and the broader Middle East. While Trump is viewed favorably in Israel for his unwavering support and decisive actions, Harris’s more nuanced approach raises concerns among Israeli supporters but may be seen as a necessary response to changing public opinions. The upcoming election thus represents a crucial juncture, with implications for U.S.-Israeli relations and the quest for stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
