Israel Eyes More Territory with Trump in Office

Israeli leadership likely breathed a sigh of relief in the wake of Donald Trump defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in last week’s presidential election. Although Harris was vague on her foreign policy plans, her close aides were critical of Israel, and she likely would have been less supportive of the country than President Biden.

Trump has been almost unambiguously pro-Israel, both in the White House and on the campaign trail. As president, he recognized the disputed Golan Heights as part of Israel — something the Biden administration re-confirmed earlier this year.

And on the campaign trail, Trump said Israel should “finish the job” and wipe out Hamas.

His early appointments also gave Israel hope. Secretary of State nominee Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is a strong supporter of the country, as is NSA nominee Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Trump’s selection for UN Ambassador. The Israelis also seem to be thrilled about the new US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who has a close relationship with their leadership.

One of the biggest prizes for Israel over the next four years would be the annexation of more or all of the West Bank — or, as Israelis refer to the territory, Judea and Samaria.

Israel’s minister of finance, Bezalel Smotrich, who also oversees settlements, has already issued orders for the government to prepare to annex more territory and declared that 2025 would be the year “sovereignty” would come to Judea and Samaria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose strong personal relationship with Trump briefly worsened after congratulating Biden on his win in 2020, may be hesitant to annex the entirety of the West Bank even if the Trump administration supports such an action, as it would likely inspire widespread condemnation.

But he may have little choice: If Smotrich pulls his support from Netanyahu, it would force early elections and would imperil any attempts to achieve the ambitious goals set by the current government. As a result, Netanyahu may hope that Trump’s administration comes out against the proposal, giving him some breathing room at home.