A New Era in the Middle East: US — Israel Relations

Whether you agree or not with the principles outlined in the recent White House press conference between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and US President Donald Trump, it was tightly scripted to show both countries are in a stronger alliance than they have been in for years – since Trump’s last time in office.

This week, Netanyahu and his advisors are staying at the Blair House (the guest house of world leaders that meet with American presidents). It is meant to be a time that builds on the strategic cooperation agreement between Israel and America. This symbiotic relationship is key to the plans and vision Trump and Netanyahu carry. If they are not committed fully to those issues that are agreed upon, the political and diplomatic ties will falter, as any outside influence will threaten the harmony that is currently happening between Washington and Jerusalem. This will already be tested on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, when Jordan’s King Abdullah II is expected to meet with Trump in the White House; and, then again, when Trump visits Saudi Arabia in his visit to the region.

Already opposing voices are being heard throughout the global community, especially in Arab nations and in Europe. Those voices will only get louder, making it harder to achieve stability in the Middle East.

Despite Trump implying in his inaugural speech that his focus will be more domestic, with great concerns for America’s borders, he said at the White House press conference that he will be actively involved in bringing peace to this region. This means American boots on the ground, which he seems fully committed to, in his vision of reconstructing Gaza.

At the February 4, 2025, press conference, Netanyahu was not short on accolades for Trump. He praised the 47th president of the United States several times, including showing great respect for Trump’s leadership, as well as the partnership between both countries. “I believe that we will forge a beautiful future for our region, and bring our great alliance to even greater heights,” Netanyahu said.

In outlining Israel’s goals, Netanyahu made it clear what he has stated throughout the war: (1) Destroy Hamas militarily, and its governing capabilities. (2) Secure the release of all of our hostages. (3) Ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.

Beyond Gaza, Israel is dealing with several fronts where the enemy is determined to destroy the Jewish State, including confrontations with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran, and the Houthi’s.

Netanyahu stated, generally: “Israel will end the war by winning the war. Israel’s victory will be America’s victory. We will not only win the war together, we will win the peace, with your leadership Mr. President.” Netanyahu further said, “We also see eye to eye on Iran.”

Trump’s current goals are mostly aligned with those of Netanyahu. But, it seems that Trump sees Hamas as not being able to threaten Israel from Gaza, if his plan works to transfer the Gazans to other countries. Therefore, why would Israel need to decimate Hamas? Yet, most Israelis are adamant to see Netanyahu’s goals fulfilled, especially those citizens who have lost loved ones in this war.

Trump’s current focus is the transfer of Gazans to Jordan and Egypt, and several other nations, where they can lead a better life, as there is nothing left for them but leveled buildings in the Gaza Strip. Jordan and Egypt have, so far, refused to take them in.

Meanwhile, we can expect Hamas, its supporters, along with terrorists being released from Israeli jails (during the current hostage release), to try and gain greater entrance into the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), as well as east Jerusalem. This will give them a way of avoiding being transferred to another country along with the rest of the Gazans. However, it will also threaten Israelis from these closer locations. Already, sources indicate that the Palestinians are planning a major uprising from Judea and Samaria, including threatening a military operation that would be bigger than October 7, 2023.

Meanwhile, Trump was asked by a Jewish religious reporter if he agreed with an annexation of Judea and Samaria. Trump’s response: “We will be making an announcement on that very specific topic over the next four weeks.”  The stalling of annexation may be a determined move on Trump’s part, to advance his plans, without triggering all-out war boiling over in Judea and Samaria. (This concern stopped annexation during Trump’s first term in the White House).

Regarding the hostages held in Gaza, Trump did state that he wanted to see the ceasefire hold, and all the hostages released. According to Trump, “We have gotten a few hostages out. We will get more out, but we are dealing with complex people, and we are going to see whether it holds (the ceasefire). We certainly want to see more come out… We hope to get as many as possible out.”

Trump later answered a journalist, with more words to say about getting all the hostages out. He threatened, “If we don’t, it will make us just somewhat more violent. I will tell you that, because they (Hamas) would have broken their word… We will see if the promises will be kept.”

These statements were meant for a very vocal part of Israeli society that are prone to major protests if they think Israel, or any other government, might not be looking for the release of all 79 hostages (alive or dead) in future negotiations.

One of the most controversial issues that surfaced at the press conference is Trump’s decision to send the Gazans abroad to a better life, and then take ownership of the Gaza Strip, in a real estate investment, pouring funds into the reconstruction venture. “I do see a long-term ownership, possibly; and, I see it bringing greater stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East,” Trump admitted.

Trump’s idea of creating thousands of jobs, in rebuilding a beautiful livable space in Gaza, like the French Riviera, has caused countries to immediately voice their opposition to Trump taking over the sovereignty of Gaza. But, the question remains, sovereign to whom?

The great opposition that has come on the heels of the press conference, especially from Arab nations, is the long-awaited expectation that the Palestinians will take over sovereignty. Currently, neither the US nor Israel will allow that to happen.

There is a likelihood that Arab and European nations will take their protests to the United Nations or to the international courts, to try and stop Trump’s plans of placing Gazans in other countries, as well as beginning the investment plan to reconstruct Gaza. This is, likely, one of the biggest uphill battles he will face in the future.

When asked by a reporter if Trump supports a two-state solution, his answer was, “It doesn’t mean anything about a two-state, or a one-state, or any other state. It means that we want to give people a chance at life. They have never had a chance at life, because the Gaza Strip has been a hell hole for people living there. It’s been horrible. Hamas has made it so bad, so dangerous, so unfair to people. And, by doing what I am recommending we do, we think we will bring, perhaps, great peace… This is not for Israel; this is for everybody in the Middle East.”

Netanyahu was excited about Trump’s vision for Gaza. “Just as the president fought and defeated ISIS and Al Qaida, we can’t leave Hamas there, because they will continue the battle to destroy Israel. You cannot talk about peace, neither with Hamas nor the Middle East, if this toxic murderous organization is left standing,” he declared.

While Trump plans on building a community in Gaza that is safe and secure, there have been no details on how that could happen. Gaza sits near Egypt and the Sinai, which are not known for stability, safety and security.

Still, both he and Netanyahu see this as a win-win situation – knock out the people who want to destroy Israel and want to destroy peace. They are hoping for a plan that will usher in peace with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations. Many Israelis are afraid that it will be a security risk, in being pressured to divide the land. There is also an underlying plan to build on the defense pact with the Arab world that helped Israel defend itself from Iran’s direct attacks on the Jewish State in 2024. Trump has hinted on giving Arab nations advanced weapons, helping them defend themselves from Iranian aggression.

Trump hopes the deep sanctions now placed on Iran, will again thwart Iran’s nuclear plans.  “And, I say to Iran, who is listening intently, I would love to make a great deal where you get on with your lives. I hope it doesn’t end up in a catastrophic situation. I don’t want to see that happen. I really want to see peace. I hope we can and are able to do that. They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump insisted.

Both Trump and Netanyahu are looking to fulfill their plans and their vision of a new Middle East, where people will live in harmony and peace. With Ramadan starting the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, lasting until sundown on Saturday, March 29, 2025, that vision will already be tested. But, for now there is hope and optimism among both Israelis and Americans that the momentum is catching on, for a better life and future for the people of this region.