Israel and Palestine Respond to Trump Victory

Reports are circulating that Donald Trump has asked Bibi to wrap up the war before his inauguration. Trump has been a strong opponent of perpetual wars, and he knows that America is obligated to support Israel.

Hamas leaders issued a statement saying that Donald Trump is obligated to “work seriously to stop the war of genocide and aggression against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, stop the aggression against the brotherly Lebanese people, stop providing military support and political cover to the Zionist entity, and to recognize the legitimate rights of our people,” Hamas added.

Hamas also stated that it will never submit to Israel or accept occupation. The “new US administration must realize that our Palestinian people will continue to resist the hateful [Israeli] occupation and will not accept any path that detracts from their legitimate rights to freedom, independence, self-determination, and the establishment of their independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Donald Trump on his victory, calling it a “fresh start for America” and “history’s greatest comeback.” Bibi ha visited Trump in Mar-a-Lago this past July and the two have a close relationship.

Despite his ties to Bibi, Trump is relentless in his America First policies. Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital during his first term. Some are concerned that he will allow Israel to annex areas of the West Bank, a compromise that Hamas would never agree to. We have numerous players in this war now as well who may turn to America’s other enemies if backed into a corner. I do believe Trump will do his best to keep US troops out of the Middle East, but he is acquiring a nation that is currently backing two endless wars. His next steps will be crucial in determining the trajectory of both Israel and Palestine.