**Trump's New Challenge: A Different Israel and A Different Presidency?**

**As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations amidst ongoing turmoil in Gaza raise questions about his approach towards peace negotiations and the Palestinian cause.**

 

Israel has transitioned significantly since Donald Trump's last presidency, setting the stage for a complex recalibration of U.S. foreign policy as he embarks on his second term. Trump, who is already asserting his influence even before taking office, has recently taken credit for the ceasefire agreement brokered in Gaza—a deal that had struggled under Joe Biden's administration.

Currently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a political crisis due to internal pressures from his ultranationalist coalition, which staunchly opposes any agreements with Hamas. Influential figures within this coalition, such as national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, are demanding the continuation of military action against Hamas, threatening to resign if these demands aren't met. This presents Trump with an opportunity; his history indicates that he may prioritize his political ambitions over the nuances of Israeli domestic politics.

Contrastingly, Biden has shown restraint in his approach towards Israel, balancing support with humanitarian concerns amidst extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. This apparent leniency towards Israel under Biden's administration, often criticized, set up expectations that Trump would adopt a less restrictive stance regarding Israeli military actions.

The historical backdrop includes significant moments like the U.S. embassy's move to Jerusalem in 2018, a decision that Trump celebrated while clashes ensued along the Gaza border, resulting in devastating loss of life. The dual narrative of these events showcased the stark division in perceptions on both sides of the screen and underscored the urgency of U.S. engagement in the region.

Additionally, Trump's earlier foreign policy decisions—ranging from the rejection of the Iran nuclear deal to recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights—hinted at a disruptor's approach, one that sought to reshape longstanding diplomatic norms.

However, as Trump's presidency approaches, the dynamics on the ground may necessitate a reassessment. With Saudi Arabia, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, insisting that any collaborative effort towards a normalization deal with Israel be tied to tangible advances for Palestinian self-determination, Trump's strategies may face resistance in a recent climate favoring Palestinian rights.

Both Trump and Biden seek to expand the Abraham Accords, yet face unique challenges in their efforts due to the evolving political landscape of the region and the implications of the Gaza conflict. With looming pressures from various fronts, Trump's impending term may require navigating complex realities that his earlier tenure did not confront.

As he envisions a peaceful resolution, Trump's willingness to engage with Saudi Arabia's conditions alongside Israel's stark political environment will be critical in determining the future of U.S. relations with Israel and the broader Middle East landscape. The quest for peace in the region remains formidable.