Trump’s support of Israel

As President-elect Donald Trump continues to shape his Cabinet and diplomatic corps, the “Israel question” is inevitable. In what ways will the Trump administration differ from the Biden White House in dealing with our most important ally in the Middle East?

Trump’s track record during his first term and his appointees for his second administration shed light on what to expect about his disposition toward Israel—especially as compared to the Biden-Harris administration’s Middle East policy.

President Joe Biden has undoubtedly been a friend to Israel and offered his clear support, especially after the vicious Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023. However, Biden also sent mixed signals in order to appeal to his far-left base. His administration often struggled as to what tune to play to quench the fires sent against his administration by unsatisfied liberals because of the Gaza war.

One time, Vice President Kamala Harris assured Americans, “We are not going to create any conditions on the support that we are giving Israel to defend itself.” But this didn’t work with left-leaning Hamas sympathizers, so Harris’ rhetoric quickly became “Israel must do more.”

While it’s understandable that politicians change course as they respond to varying demands in chaotic situations, it has been obvious that the Biden administration changed with the wind. This floundering status placed tremendous stress on a wounded Israel, which was trying to handle a tragedy at home while dealing with terrorists hiding behind civilians. Until now, there has been no success in convincing the terrorists of Hamas to release the hostages they seized more than a year ago, and the hopes of their being alive have almost vanished.

In contrast, Trump had an excellent track record of supporting Israel during his first term, evidenced by the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He also brokered one of the most important peace deals in modern history through the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and many Arab nations. This reflects his clear policy toward supporting the Jewish state, and now his picks to carry out his administration’s foreign policy for his second administration appear to advance a distinctive and clear disposition of supporting Israel. Two nominees in particular stand out in this regard: Mike Huckabee as U.S. ambassador to Israel and Marco Rubio as secretary of state.

Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, is an enthusiastic defender of Israel. He understands the Middle Eastern dynamics between Israel and its neighboring Muslim nations, as evidenced in his response to unreasonable liberal demands against Israel after the Gaza war started.

“If the so-called Palestinians are so loved by the Muslim nations of the world,” Huckabee asked, “why won’t any of those nations at least offer to give temporary refuge to their brothers and sisters in Gaza?”

Huckabee can read through the high demands often placed on Israel, while many Muslim nations stand afar, merely declaring slogans about the humanitarian needs of Palestinians. The choice of Huckabee as our ambassador to Israel reflects Trump’s determination to redirect U.S. foreign policy to be on the same wavelength as Israel’s national interests, especially in the war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In his statement appointing Huckabee, Trump said, “He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him.”

Rubio is another strategic choice. As secretary of state, he will serve as the U.S. government’s chief diplomat, with crucial responsibilities in directing policies and relations internationally.

The U.S. senator from Florida is outspoken about Israel’s right to defend itself. His clear understanding of the conflict and unwavering support of Israel were evident in his strong response to a pro-Palestinian activist who asked him—merely seven weeks after Hamas’ horrific attack last year—about pressuring Israel to adopt a ceasefire in Gaza. In vehemently rejecting the suggestion, Rubio said, “No, I will not. On the contrary … I want them to destroy every element of Hamas they can get their hands on. These people are vicious animals who did horrifying crimes.”

With this clear answer, the activist played the humanitarian card, asking Rubio about children and civilian casualties. He responded, explicitly blaming Hamas and its awful tactics of hiding behind civilians, adding, “I care. I think it’s horrifying, and I think Hamas is 100% to blame.”

Rubio’s clear and sharp understanding of the conflict is much needed after the mixed messaging adopted by the Biden administration.

You cannot appease terrorists and hope you will be free from their grip. The world should never forget that Israel is a nation bound by international laws, while Hamas, Hezbollah, and the like are all terrorists, only serving their interests.

With appointees like Mike Huckabee and Marco Rubio, President-elect Trump is clearly showing his disposition toward Israel. The world needs to come together to support every effort to seek peace between Israel and its neighbors while ensuring the total destruction of terrorism.