Following the recent election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Israel finds itself on the cusp of significant political shifts, particularly with the appointment of Yechiel Leiter as the new Israeli ambassador to the United States. This move, announced shortly after Trump's election victory on November 5, 2024, signals Israel's far-right government preparing to advance its agenda, particularly concerning its controversial settlement policies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his congratulations to Trump, describing his victory as "a historic comeback". The sentiment was echoed by Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who views Trump's return as the perfect opportunity for Israel to finally annex the West Bank and revitalize settlements within the contested Gaza Strip. These developments come at a time when relationships between Israel and the outgoing Biden administration had grown increasingly strained, particularly concerning military actions taken by Israel against Gaza and Lebanon.
Yechiel Leiter, who will be formally taking up the ambassadorial role, is no stranger to the contentious nature of the Israeli settlements. Born in the U.S., Leiter has lived for years within Israeli settlements located north of Ramallah, actively advocating for the expansion of these settlements deemed illegal under international law. His appointment is seen as highly symbolic and very much aligned with Netanyahu’s right-wing agenda, particularly as Trump has previously been perceived as one of Israel's strongest allies.
Trump's first term brought about radical shifts, particularly the U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and significant diplomatic achievements such as the Abraham Accords. His administration moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which many viewed as a controversial endorsement of Israeli claims on the city. Leiter's selection as ambassador is likely to prelude a notable change to U.S.-Israel relations, with expectations for the White House under Trump to adopt more permissive policies toward Israeli activities, especially concerning settlement expansion.
During his previous tenure, Trump’s unwavering support for Israel led to an explosive increase in settlement activity. Since then, the Biden administration has delayed employing military aid to mitigate Israel’s military actions and imposed sanctions on individuals linked to settler violence. Observers note, though, these constraints might soon be lifted, reflecting Trump’s policies toward more aggressive support for Israel.
Leiter’s track record does suggest deep-rooted commitments to the settlement movement. He is involved with the One Israel Fund, which supports settlers, and has publicly defended military actions against Palestinians, pushing for greater participation of families tied to soldiers within government roles. His engagement reflects wider ideological alignments with what many characterize as the most rigid streams of Israeli political thought.
The warm reception from Israel’s political leaders confirms their anticipation of transforming U.S.-Israel relations under Trump. Political analyst Michael Omer-Man describes Leiter as someone who has long sought to sway American perspectives about the legitimacy of Israeli claims. Such ideological fervor boosts the expectations within Israel for accelerated annexation processes and legislative support for more militaristic policies toward Iran and its networks.
With Netanyahu’s government already viewed as one of the most conservative and right-leaning administrations, the combination of Trump’s policies and Leiter’s diplomatic efforts is expected to align closely with past initiatives to cement Israeli dominance over disputed territories. This scenario is not just about Israeli settlements; it is broader concerning regional stability and the complex dynamics involved, particularly with those nations previously engaged in diplomatic normalization with Israel.
Looking at history, Trump's administration marked one of the most favorable eras for Israeli interests, contrasting starkly with the previous stance of the Obama administration, which was more cautious about the expansion of settlements. The involvement of GOP members eager to support Israel could mirror Trump’s previous approaches, and Israeli leaders are likely to leverage this opportunity to secure more ground.
The political backdrop is not just rippling through diplomatic channels; it also serves as fuel for internal and regional tensions. While the Palestinian Authority has increasingly faced challenges, the Israeli public’s views reflect mounting divisions over settlement expansion and military approaches across the territories. Trump’s support might embolden Israel's hardline politicians, potentially leading to escalated tensions with Palestinian factions.
With Yechiel Leiter at the helm of the Israeli embassy following Trump's return to power, the ramifications might stretch beyond mere policy changes. The influence of Israeli politics on American perspectives concerning the Middle East is sure to reignite debates over the legality and morality of settlement expansion, and by extension, the Palestinian plight. The next stages of U.S.-Israel diplomacy hinge not just on Trump's previous efforts, but also on the domestic sentiments woven through both nations' political landscapes.
