Donald J. Trump’s presidency marked a transformative period in U.S.-Israel relations, characterized by unprecedented diplomatic, political, and military support. While American presidents have historically maintained strong ties with Israel, Trump’s administration redefined the alliance, implementing policies that resonated deeply with Israel and its supporters worldwide. Here are the key positive actions Trump took for Israel during his presidency:

Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

One of the most significant moments of Trump’s presidency came in December 2017 when he officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision broke decades of U.S. foreign policy precedent and fulfilled a promise long made by American presidents but never enacted.
In May 2018, the U.S. embassy was relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move hailed by Israelis as a historic acknowledgment of their nation’s sovereignty over its eternal capital. This act also inspired other countries to consider moving their embassies to Jerusalem.

Sovereignty Over the Golan Heights

In 2019, Trump recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a strategically vital region Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. This decision was a major diplomatic win for Israel, reinforcing its security and control over the area amidst regional instability.

Abraham Accords: Normalizing Relations with Arab Nations

Trump’s administration brokered the groundbreaking Abraham Accords, leading to normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These agreements paved the way for diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation, marking a new era of peace in the Middle East.

The accords were a testament to Trump’s ability to foster alliances that transcended historical animosities, positioning Israel as a central player in the region’s stability and growth.

Combating Anti-Israel Bias

Under Trump, the United States became a steadfast defender of Israel in international forums. His administration withdrew from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), citing its bias against Israel, and actively opposed anti-Israel resolutions in the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
Trump’s administration also defunded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), accusing it of perpetuating anti-Israel narratives and failing to resolve the Palestinian refugee crisis.

A Shift in U.S. Policy on Settlements

In 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the U.S. no longer considered Israeli settlements in the West Bank inconsistent with international law. This marked a significant departure from previous administrations’ policies and was seen as a strong affirmation of Israel’s claims to the disputed territories.

Halting Aid to the Palestinian Authority

The Trump administration ceased U.S. financial aid to the Palestinian Authority due to its controversial “pay-for-slay” policy, which provided stipends to families of individuals convicted of terrorism against Israelis. This move sent a strong message that the U.S. would not tolerate actions perceived as incentivizing violence.

Strengthened U.S.-Israel Military Cooperation

Trump’s presidency saw enhanced military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, ensuring the continuation of a $38 billion aid package signed in 2016. Joint military exercises, technology-sharing initiatives, and security collaboration were prioritized, bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities amidst regional threats.

Withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal

Trump withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2018. His administration imposed stringent sanctions on Iran, a nation viewed by Israel as its greatest existential threat. Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran aligned closely with Israel’s security concerns.

Recognizing Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

Throughout his presidency, Trump unequivocally supported Israel’s right to defend itself against aggression from terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. His administration designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, further isolating one of Israel’s primary adversaries.

Closing the PLO Office in Washington, D.C.

In a bold move, Trump shut down the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington, D.C., citing the Palestinian Authority’s refusal to engage in peace negotiations and its opposition to U.S. mediation. This action underscored his administration’s commitment to holding parties accountable in the pursuit of peace.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s presidency left an indelible mark on U.S.-Israel relations. From recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital to fostering peace through the Abraham Accords, his actions were celebrated by many Israelis and pro-Israel advocates as historic milestones. These policies not only reinforced the bond between the two nations but also reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, positioning Israel as a stronger, more secure, and increasingly integrated member of the region.

While his approach to Middle East policy was not without controversy, Trump’s unwavering support for Israel solidified his legacy as one of the most pro-Israel presidents in American history.