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.

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Bonnie Hissom2 years ago

Israel may be a very small nation in area and surrounded by only enemies, just as in OT Bible times. But just as it was thousands of years ago, God is on their side. They are God’s chosen people, and He will be with them. And it is very important that we support them. For God will bless those who bless Israel, and He will curse those who curse Israel. (Genesis 12:3).

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Janet Null2 years ago

Annex the Judea and Samaria and take Gaza back. Peaceful Arabs have full citizen rights in Israel as long as they want them. No need to kick Israelis out of any area of their land. Palestinians have a country. This war should reveal that the so called Palestinians, Hamas, and Gazans are political parties and not natives of Israel. They themselves chose and choose to be separatists from Israel so those who choose to call themselves something else and align with foreigners need to go wherever that alliance is. Americans who take down our flag and raise another flag need to move to where their allegiance lies as well. All nations are welcome IF they can align with their country of choice. They need to become legal (real) citizens of the country not squatters and enemies. IF they don’t like a country then go home or stay home otherwise they will be seen as invading enemies. That’s not hard to figure out.

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Carrie Thompson 2 years ago

Totally agree with you!! Good voice!

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Jonathan Horen2 years ago

"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."

The term "West Bank" refers to a geographic location -- the area west-of and adjacent-to the Jordan River. "Judea and Samaria" (יהודה והשומרון/Yehuda v-HaShomron) are the actual, millennia-old names of those parts of Israel.

A derogatory term, "West Bank" was/is used -- initially, by the Jordanian government and the UN; later, by other Arab nations; following Jordan's seizure-and-occupation of them in 1948, after (the modern state of) Israel was declared -- in order to deny the historic identity of Judea and Samaria as indivisible parts of Israel.

Annexing Judea and Samaria would return them/Israel to the 'status quo ante' (the previously existing state of affairs).

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Ernest Sidlo2 years ago

I am proud of my countrymen who voted for Donald J. Trump rejecting the clear and present danger of the Democrat/Marxists... The cabinet selections are spectacular.... One need only look at the DEI hires the candidates are to replace.... I am most encouraged....

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Scott Connell2 years ago

The annexation of Judea and Samaria is necessary, if for no other reason, than to maintain a buffer zone from Jordan and Syria. Lets face it, there's no such thing as a "two state" solution with the Palestinian people. Israel is surrounded by Arab people/countries that would love to do away with the Jews and that's not going to change anytime soon. Only fear of Israel will maintain the peace. That same doctrine holds true for the US too - Peace through Strength (Reagan). Its that simple!

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