Abraham agreement and Trump’s

Trump’s Middle East PolicyTrump’s Middle East policy has primarily focused on strong alliances with Israel and a confrontational approach toward Iran. He emphasizes his efforts to mediate peace agreements and combat extremist terrorist groups such as ISIS.Jennifer Bell, in an article in Al Arabiya, wrote: “American voters have cast their ballots, and with the victory of Donald Trump and his return to the White House after four years, regional experts say that a Republican win could determine the outcome of conflicts in the Middle East.”Foreign policy advisers suggest that the diplomatic strategy under the new president could significantly alter U.S. policy in the region, including the country’s stance on Iran and regional peace agreements.Sanam Wali, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House, stated: “Trump’s return is likely to have an impact on Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Since the U.S. is Israel’s main ally and military supporter, the timing of the elections is critical for the Middle East.”She added: “I think the Trump administration—particularly the president—will seek to conclude active military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon. But this doesn’t necessarily mean peace is on the horizon. Middle Eastern countries—whether allies or adversaries—will be eager to see how the election results might shape regional policy. There are key questions about whether the next U.S. administration will change its approach to critical issues of conflict and diplomacy, and whether it will work in coordination with Congress or in opposition.”Wali further commented: “There are also questions about how Trump will manage the ongoing instability in the region, despite his belief that the October 7 attacks by Hamas would not have happened under his administration. I think there are approaches that could affect the Middle East. First, Trump may seek to end the military campaign in Gaza, but this doesn’t necessarily mean a political horizon for a Palestinian state. Instead, it would be about ending the active conflict.”She added: “Another approach could be maximum pressure on Iran, but this doesn’t necessarily mean a deal or regime change in Iran, but rather an effort to limit and contain Iran’s maneuverability in the Middle East.”During his first term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which had limited Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for economic incentives. The reinstated sanctions in 2018 severely impacted Iran’s oil exports and reduced government revenues in Tehran. Wali added: “A third approach is that Trump is likely to strengthen the Abraham Accords—a series of normalization agreements between Israel and various Arab nations.”In 2017, Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the U.S. embassy there. Two years later, he recognized Israel’s control over the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, which Syria still claims. Trump also facilitated the Abraham Accords, his 2020 peace proposal that sought to grant Israel sovereignty over large areas of Palestinian territory.Trump recently referred to the Abraham Accords, stating that he would push for more normalization agreements between Israel and Arab countries. Sanam Wali said: “Trump’s efforts to expand the Abraham Accords will likely be one of his most important priorities. Under the Trump administration, this accord gained more power, as there are no other ideas, and the new administration will see the agreement as a very good framework for expanding, sharing, and managing the Middle East.”Ghassan Khatib, a Palestinian political analyst, was less hopeful about peace in the Middle East, stating: “I think Trump will likely continue supporting Netanyahu in his battles in Gaza, Lebanon, and possibly Syria, without allowing him to enter a full-scale war against Iran.”Israel’s Reaction to Trump’s Victory