On his inauguration day, President Donald Trump emphasized his goal to be a “peacemaker and unifier,” pointing to the Gaza ceasefire and the release of Israeli captives as initial successes. However, he voiced doubts about the longevity of the agreement, remarking, “It’s not our war. It is their war.”
While Trump’s foreign policy is centered on “America first,” his administration’s steadfast support for Israel is evident. Analysts suggest he effectively used his influence to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards the ceasefire, but they caution against celebrating a deal that offers significant benefits to Israel, including the lifting of sanctions on Israeli settlers.
Diana Buttu, a Palestinian analyst, pointed out the repercussions for Palestinians, highlighting Trump’s first-term actions, such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and cutting funding to UNRWA. These moves illustrate his administration’s focus on Israeli priorities. 
Despite the ceasefire, Israel’s continued raids in the West Bank have sparked concerns about a resurgence of conflict. Trump’s emphasis on securing agreements, as demonstrated by his “deal of the century” proposal during his first term, shows his ambition to establish a legacy as a dealmaker. Nevertheless, critics contend that achieving lasting peace necessitates addressing Palestinian statehood—a goal complicated by Israeli territorial expansion and the current political landscape.
As Trump navigates these intricate issues, his conflicting loyalties—to a Christian Zionist base, powerful donors, and Gulf allies like Saudi Arabia—create significant hurdles. Analysts caution that without considering Palestinian aspirations, Trump’s peace initiatives may end up being more symbolic than meaningful.
For a president who aims to focus on domestic priorities, untangling from Middle Eastern conflicts continues to be a challenging endeavor.
