Donald Trump is known for his consistency. His word is his bond, his positions are unwavering, and he values loyalty above all. "I am Israel's best friend," he has declared countless times throughout the years.
While the Republican candidate maintained some strategic distance during his campaign to avoid alienating certain voters, his recent administration appointments suggest that the president – already known as Israel's strongest supporter – might outdo his own record.
Mike Waltz, tapped for the crucial position of National Security Advisor, has made his stance clear: beyond reinstating maximum pressure on Iran, military options must remain on the table. This aligns perfectly with Israel's strategic outlook.
The nomination of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State signals even stronger support. A steadfast ally who is well-versed in Israel's challenges, Rubio takes a hard-line stance on foreign policy and stands firmly with Israel on Palestinian issues. He consistently uses the term "Judea and Samaria" rather than "West Bank" or "territories," and is expected to reverse the Biden administration's sanctions on Israeli citizens – measures he vehemently opposed last summer.
As the designated UN Ambassador, Elise Stefanik highlighted a single priority in her acceptance statement: "The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing." Stefanik, who recently led the charge that resulted in the unprecedented resignations of several prestigious US university presidents over their handling of Hamas supporters on campus, brings sharp intellectual prowess to what may be the UN's most pressing challenge.
These appointments to Trump's second administration portend well for Israel. Starting January 20, 2025, the era of mixed messages from Washington – support with one hand and restraint with the other – will be gone. Israel will receive unprecedented latitude to conduct its military operations, free from moral lectures, delayed shipments, or threatening diplomatic cables.
Support comes with a timeline
However, this broad support comes with a time limit. Trump won't tolerate an indefinite military campaign on either front. He will demand decisive action within a specific timeframe.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, the Israeli public, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must prepare for this reality and adjust military planning accordingly. This represents the immediate challenge.
The next ambitious, yet achievable goal for the coming two years is broader regional peace. The roadmap starts with neutralizing Iran's nuclear program – something Defense Minister Katz claims Israel can accomplish with US approval.
Once the Iranian threat is contained, regional players currently hedging their bets due to Tehran will be free to pursue their true interests, with Saudi Arabia leading the way.
The Palestinian issue could then be addressed through either a revival of the "Deal of the Century" (shelved during Trump's first term due to COVID-19) or through the "one-state solution" proposed by former Ambassador David Friedman. The latter envisions transforming Gaza and the West Bank into autonomous regions without national sovereignty, similar to Puerto Rico's status.
Time is of the essence. Midterm elections in two years could cost Trump his congressional majority. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's right-wing coalition can potentially govern until October 2026 (provided ultra-Orthodox parties agree to military service reforms).
This two-year window of aligned, stable governments in Washington and Jerusalem presents a rare opportunity. Failing to capitalize on this golden period would be a historic mistake.
