Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum have celebrated Donald Trump’s return as President-Elect, viewing it as an opportunity to deepen the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to congratulate Trump, calling his return “historic” and expressing hope it will bring “a powerful recommitment” to Israel’s partnership with the United States.
Shortly after, Trump and Netanyahu held a phone conversation, discussing their shared priorities, particularly “strengthening Israel’s security” and addressing “threats posed by Iran.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid praised Trump’s “friendship” with Israel, expressing hope that his leadership will strengthen U.S.-Israel ties.
Lapid highlighted the need for urgent American support to help secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, calling it “the most urgent task.”
President Isaac Herzog also congratulated Trump, describing him as a “true friend” and “champion of peace.”
National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz praised Trump’s past achievements, especially his support for Israel against Iran, describing his leadership as a “beacon of moral clarity” in the Middle East.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
During his previous term as president, Trump established himself as one of Israel’s staunchest supporters. And on September 5, he reaffirmed this on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying: “NO PRESIDENT HAS DEFENDED ISRAEL AND JEWISH AMERICANS MORE THAN DONALD J. TRUMP.”
His record includes recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, withdrawing from the JCPOA nuclear deal with Iran, imposing sanctions on Tehran, and brokering the Abraham Accords, which normalised Israel’s relations with several Arab nations.
But while Israeli leaders have been optimistic, some media analysts have urged caution. Yediot Ahronot analyst Ron Ben-Yishai recommended a measured approach, noting that Jared Kushner, Trump’s former advisor and son-in-law, would not be part of his new administration — an absence that could impact Trump’s approach to the Middle East.
Channel 12 News analyst Ofer Hadad pointed out Trump’s unpredictable style, cautioning that he might make abrupt foreign policy decisions that could sometimes conflict with Israeli interests.
In Maariv, Dr Shay Har-Zvi from Reichman University noted that despite Trump’s “America First” approach, the U.S. cannot fully disengage from the Middle East. Har-Zvi believes Trump’s key objectives in the region will likely include ending conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, advancing Saudi-Israeli normalisation, and tackling Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
He suggested Trump might push Netanyahu to offer Palestinians a “diplomatic horizon” as part of advancing relations with Saudi Arabia.
