22/11/24
In this article , we take a closer look at the upcoming cabinet of President-elect Donald Trump, who is poised to return to the White House after securing victory in the 2024 presidential election.
One thing has become unmistakably clear: His administration’s foreign policy, especially regarding the Middle East, signals strong and unwavering support for Israel.
While support for Israel is a long-standing feature in American politics, Trump’s nominees point to an administration aligned with the ambitions of far-right Israeli nationalists.
This focus comes amidst ongoing conflicts that have devastated the region, most notably the genocide in Gaza, which has claimed at least 43,799 lives since October 2023.
A United Nations report has characterised Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “consistent with genocide,” a grim declaration that continues to provoke international debate.
First, we turn to Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick for Secretary of State. Senator Rubio, a stalwart supporter of Israel, has long advocated for an aggressive posture in the region.
During the 2016 Republican primary debate in Houston, Texas, Rubio underscored his commitment to Israel, criticising then-candidate Trump’s approach. He argued that Palestinians were acting in “bad faith,” stating, “They teach their four-year-old children that killing Jews is a glorious thing.” [1]
Fast forward to October 2023, after the attacks in southern Israel, Rubio took to social media, calling for the “complete eradication of Hamas in Gaza.” In November 2024, he reinforced this position when approached by anti-war activists, rejecting the notion of a ceasefire and describing Hamas as “vicious animals who did horrifying crimes.” [1]
Critics argue that Rubio’s statements and policy views suggest an unyielding stance that could lead to further escalation in the region.
Next, Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, brings a mix of military experience and media presence. A former US Army officer turned Fox News host, Hegseth’s views on Israel are clear-cut and controversial.
In a 2018 speech in Jerusalem, Hegseth dismissed the viability of a two-state solution and even hinted at the demolition of the Al-Aqsa Mosque to make way for a Third Temple. Such an idea aligns with the aspirations of some Israeli ultranationalists and has sparked strong reactions from Muslim communities around the world. [1]
And when it comes to civilian casualties, Hegseth has been notably dismissive. During the Great March of Return protests in 2018, when asked about Israeli snipers targeting children, Hegseth infamously replied, “Meh,” implying that the responsibility lay solely with Hamas. [1]
Hegseth’s nomination suggests that Trump’s defense strategy will prioritise Israel’s security, potentially at the cost of strained relations with the broader Arab world.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is slated to be the new US Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, has a history of aligning religious beliefs with political policy, especially when it comes to Israeli territorial claims.
Back in 2008, Huckabee remarked that there was “no such thing as a Palestinian,” a statement critics say dehumanises the Palestinian people. In speeches and public appearances, Huckabee has consistently advocated for the concept of “Greater Israel,” including the annexation of the occupied West Bank, which he refers to as Judea and Samaria. His views not only reject the notion of a Palestinian state but cast Israel’s claim to the land as divinely mandated. [1]
In February 2024, reflecting on the October 7 attacks, Huckabee labeled the atrocities committed by Hamas as the worst kind of “evil” and defended Israeli settlement expansion as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Observers say Huckabee’s appointment could embolden settlement expansion and further complicate peace negotiations. [1]
Elise Stefanik, Trump’s choice for Ambassador to the United Nations, is known for her sharp rhetoric and unyielding defense of Israel.
During a May 2024 address to the Israeli Knesset, Stefanik described Israel’s war on Gaza as a battle of “good versus evil.” She also took a hard line on Palestinian refugee assistance, supporting Trump’s decision to withdraw US funding from UNRWA, the UN agency that aids millions of displaced Palestinians. [1]
Stefanik has equated pro-Palestine slogans like “From the River to the Sea” with calls for genocide, a stance that has fueled criticism for silencing legitimate protest and dissent on college campuses. With Stefanik as the nominee, expect more vocal US opposition to resolutions that challenge Israel’s actions on the global stage. [1]
Moreover, Mike Waltz, Trump’s appointee for National Security Adviser, has long supported Israeli military initiatives and taken a hardline stance on Iran.
In August 2024, Waltz applauded Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s “strong actions” against Iran and credited Trump-era sanctions with crippling the Iranian economy. He recently questioned the Biden administration’s influence over Israel, suggesting that Biden and Harris pressured Israel to limit its military strikes. [1]
Furthermore, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former presidential advisor, has consistently demonstrated a strong Zionist stance, reflective of his significant influence in shaping U.S. policy towards Israel during Trump’s first presidency. His role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations, underscores his commitment to expanding Israel’s diplomatic recognition while sidelining the Palestinian issue.
Kushner’s investment in Israeli settlements, often criticised as a barrier to peace, further aligns him with Zionist aspirations. His leadership of the Office of American Innovation has been marked by attempts to integrate Israeli technologies and defence companies deeper into the U.S. tech and security sectors, indicating a deep-seated alliance that goes beyond mere political support.
The position Kushner holds within Trump’s inner circle, coupled with his extensive business connections in Israel, paints a picture of a cabinet that not only supports Israeli interests but actively promotes an agenda that could exacerbate tensions in the Middle East. Critics argue that his policies, characterised by a unilateral approach that often dismisses international consensus on Israeli-Palestinian issues, may hinder the prospects for a lasting peace. As Kushner gears up for a second stint in the White House, his strategies are expected to further entrench U.S.-Israel ties, potentially at the cost of broader regional stability.
Finally, Matt Gaetz recently withdrew his nomination for Attorney General amidst allegations of sexual misconduct and other controversies, including charges of antisemitism, signals a challenging road ahead. Gaetz’s record, notably his opposition to the Antisemitism Awareness Act and his past comments about prominent Jewish figures, has alienated many, including key Jewish organisations and leaders. His political execution seems to indicate a strong bias towards Israel in Trump’s picks for his cabinet. [2]
In summary, President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees embody a steadfast, pro-Israel ideology that some analysts say could shift US foreign policy even further right.
As tensions in the Middle East remain at a boiling point, this lineup signals that America’s close ties with Israel — especially under this administration — will be more entrenched than ever.
[1] Osgood, B. (2024). What have Trump administration nominees said about Israel and its wars? [online] Al Jazeera. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/17/what-have-trump-administration-nominees-said-about-israel-and-its-wars.
[2] Kornbluh, J. (2024). Trump AG nominee Matt Gaetz has left a trail of antisemitic comments. [online] The Forward. Available at: https://forward.com/fast-forward/674875/trump-ag-matt-gaetz-antisemitic/.
