The most pressing challenge facing the “born-again” Trump administration is the volatile issue of Gaza, Palestine, and the broader Middle East.

His unequivocal support for Israel may not hold steady, as global opinion grows ever more critical of the Zionist state, and its racist and genocidal policies. Even Trump has hinted at this, urging Israel to “be very careful because you’re losing a lot of the world.”

His words imply a growing awareness that Biden’s passive stance on the situation in Gaza, turning a blind eye to genocide, may not be sustainable if Trump hopes to maintain his own base at home, and avoid an international backlash.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

In recent years, the U.S. has shown little willingness to lead on resolving this never-ending conflict, a stance that risks complicating any future diplomatic efforts. The Israeli government’s hard line position, lack of interest in a two-state solution, and recent political turmoil—including the dismissal of Israel’s defense minister, a figure close to Biden—are indicative of deep divisions that could jeopardize even limited and short-term peace initiatives.

As long as Netanyahu remains steadfast in his policies; the likelihood of further violence grows, risking the internal cohesion of Israeli society while dividing the American Jewish community on its support for the country’s leadership.

His goal of totally eliminating Hamas is unrealistic. Netanyahu’s unwavering approach has emboldened the aggressive settler movement, the “Land Grabbers”, which now claims even more Palestinian, and now Lebanese territory and carries out violence with growing impunity, bolstered by an apparent alignment with Trump’s worldview.

The once dependable support from Jewish voters in the U.S., which Democrats........

© New Eastern Outlook