U.S. and Israel Align Amid Ongoing Hamas Threat: Insights from Middle East Experts

U.S. and Israel Align Amid Ongoing Hamas Threat: Insights from Middle East Experts

Recent developments in the Gaza conflict reveal a significant shift in the dynamics between the United States and Israel. President Donald Trump proposed an ambitious plan for the U.S. to take over the Gaza Strip, signaling a new era in Washington’s stance towards Israel and its neighbors. In a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip. We will dismantle all of the dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, clearing the area for economic development that will create jobs and housing for local residents.” These bold claims have ignited discussions about the future of the region.

The Aftermath of the October 7 Attacks

Nearly 16 months after the harrowing surprise attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel continues to grapple with the ramifications. The focus has shifted toward the potential outcomes of a future without Hamas’ control. With Trump’s recent declaration, there appears to be a clearer vision for Israel’s next steps moving forward.

Before officially entering the Oval Office, Trump’s fiery rhetoric against Hamas had already yielded results. Reports indicated that the terror organization began releasing hostages for the first time since November 2023, underscoring the impact of U.S. pressure.

Alignment Between Jerusalem and Washington

Asaf Romirowsky, Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, noted that there is a palpable sense of unity between Washington and Jerusalem. Romirowsky stated, “This alignment is exemplified by Netanyahu’s forthcoming visit to Washington, marking the first meeting with a foreign leader since the recent election.”

Romirowsky elaborated that the Trump administration is playing a critical role in discussions surrounding the ongoing hostage situation, suggesting that U.S. support is crucial for Israel as it contemplates resuming military operations.

The Resilience of Hamas

Despite recent hostage releases, experts like Romirowsky remain cautious about Hamas’ resilience against U.S. influence. He expressed skepticism, saying, “Hamas is not easily deterred by any U.S. government, as they pursue their agenda through external actors like Qatar. However, Israel continues to receive critical military support, which is essential in the ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional issues.”

The Future of the Abraham Accords

During his presidency, Trump initiated a series of agreements known as the Abraham Accords, aimed at fostering peaceful relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These developments raised hopes for a potential treaty with Saudi Arabia.

Romirowsky emphasized that increasing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia would reflect their shared security concerns, particularly regarding Iran’s influence in the region. He stated, “The expansion of the Abraham Accords remains a priority as both countries navigate their strategic interests.”

Addressing U.N. Entities

In tandem with the discussions on U.S.-Israel relations, Trump has taken a firm stance against U.N. organizations during his administration. Ahead of his meeting with Netanyahu, he signed an executive order terminating U.S. engagement with the U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). These decisions reflect a growing sentiment against perceived biases within these agencies, particularly concerning Israel.

Conversely, President Biden suspended funding for UNRWA following allegations that some staff members were involved in the October 7 attacks. The complexities of the situation were further highlighted by the experience of freed hostage Emily Damari, who reported being held in UNRWA facilities and denied medical assistance.

A New Chapter in Middle East Relations

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, all eyes turn to the implications for U.S.-Israel relations amidst the persistent threat from Hamas. With a renewed commitment from Washington, the future of the Middle East may hinge significantly on these dynamics. Leaders in the region must navigate their partnerships carefully while addressing the urgent humanitarian issues arising from the conflict.