Donald Trump’s election victory has sparked a positive reaction among Israeli leaders, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his circle expect tense relations with the administration of outgoing President Joe Biden in the next two months before his inauguration. In Israel, there are fears that Biden could use the final weeks of his mandate to increase pressure on the Israeli authorities by promoting a series of decisions that are not in Israel’s interest.
Ynet writes about this.
Among the main concerns of Israeli leaders is the possible repetition of the situation of late 2016, when Barack Obama’s administration refused to veto a UN Security Council decision condemning Israeli settlements. A similar move by Biden could make it more difficult for Israel to act internationally, setting the stage for legal challenges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Additionally, the Biden administration may try to push for a deal to release the hostages and demand concessions from Israel, such as withdrawing from the Philadelphia Axis and expanding humanitarian assistance. The United States is also considering introducing an arms embargo due to demands to improve conditions for humanitarian organizations and guarantee Red Cross access to hostages.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu intends to establish close cooperation with Trump’s team, seeking to consolidate support for the new president in areas such as countering Iran, resolving relations with Lebanon and achieving stability in the Gaza Strip. There is also hope that the return of a Republican administration will accelerate the process of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, one of the key priorities of Israeli diplomacy.
Netanyahu will also have to decide who will represent Israel in Washington in the new administration. Candidates are being discussed, including Netanyahu adviser Ophir Fleck, and preference will be given to an American by birth.
For settlement advocates and conservatives in Israel, Trump’s rise brings hope of reigniting questions over the application of Israeli sovereignty over the Judea and Samaria territories, as well as blocking possible action by the International Criminal Court. from The Hague.
Previously, Cursor wrote that the media told why Trump received so much support in the US presidential election.
