President-elect Donald Trump has outlined his ambitious vision to broker peace between Israel and Hamas during his upcoming term, pledging to halt the conflict in the Gaza Strip. However, he has emphasised his distrust in anyone else’s ability to achieve this—not even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I don’t trust anybody,” Trump said in a Time magazine interview after being named “Person of the Year.” His blunt statement reflects his cautious approach toward the Israeli leader and the broader Middle Eastern crisis.
Two-state solution or annexation?
When questioned about the possibility of a two-state solution or Israel’s annexation of the West Bank, Trump maintained his focus on ending the bloodshed. “What I want is a deal where there’s going to be peace and where the killing stops,” he remarked.
Trump had previously blocked Netanyahu from annexing the West Bank during his first term but left the door open for a different approach, citing the horrific attacks of 7 October 2023, which left over 1,000 people dead. “October 7 was a very terrible day,” he said, underscoring the need for long-lasting peace.
Mike Huckabee’s appointment fuels speculation
Trump’s appointment of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the incoming US ambassador to Israel has raised eyebrows. Huckabee, known for his support of Israeli settlements and openness to annexation, recently told Israel’s Army Radio he would follow the president’s policies regarding such contentious issues.
Huckabee also hinted at possible US support for Israeli settlements in Gaza but refrained from making definitive statements, noting, “I don’t want to make any comments about policy because those won’t be mine to make.”
Peace in the Middle East: A tall order?
Trump expressed confidence in resolving the Israel-Hamas war, claiming it to be a more manageable challenge than the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “The Middle East is going to get solved,” he told Time, highlighting ongoing productive developments. However, he acknowledged the complexities of creating a peace deal that satisfies all parties involved.
Reflecting on his previous term, Trump cited the Abraham Accords as a missed opportunity for broader Middle Eastern cooperation and criticised the lack of subsequent progress.
Emphasising his commitment to peace, Trump reiterated his goal of preventing another tragedy like the October 7 massacre. “I want a long-lasting peace, a peace where we don’t have an October 7 in another three years,” he said.