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Israeli leaders and politicians have expressed overwhelming support for former President Donald Trump after his victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, with many emphasizing the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance and their shared commitment to security in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to congratulate Trump, even before the election results were officially called.
In a statement, Netanyahu praised Trump’s “historic comeback,” expressing confidence that the former president’s return to the White House would usher in a new era of cooperation between the two nations.
“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!” Netanyahu said in a statement that mirrored Trump’s signature exuberant style.
The two leaders spoke shortly after the victory was confirmed, with a 20-minute phone conversation described as “warm and cordial” by Netanyahu’s office. The conversation focused on strengthening Israel’s security and addressing the ongoing threat posed by Iran.
Trump’s victory has been seen as a relief for Netanyahu, especially as the Israeli government has had tense relations with President Joe Biden’s administration.
Biden’s approach to the Gaza conflict and his calls for de-escalation have often clashed with Netanyahu’s policies, particularly regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
From 2017 to 2021, Trump and Netanyahu enjoyed a close relationship, marked by major policy shifts such as the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and the recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
The two also oversaw the signing of the Abraham Accords, a historic agreement normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
However, their relationship cooled after Netanyahu’s recognition of Biden’s 2020 election victory, with Trump publicly criticizing the Israeli leader.
Despite these tensions, their relationship appears to have thawed in recent months, with Trump hosting Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort in July.
As the war in Gaza has continued into its second year, Trump has repeatedly called for a swift end to the conflict, expressing concerns over the rising death toll.
His stance has raised some concerns among Israeli officials, particularly regarding the pressure Trump may place on Israel to end the war prematurely.
Following Trump’s victory, President Isaac Herzog also issued a statement, congratulating the former president on his “historic return to the White House.”
Herzog hailed Trump as “a true and dear friend of Israel” and emphasized the shared values and security concerns between the two nations.
Other Israeli officials joined in the congratulatory messages. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir both voiced their support for Trump, with Ben-Gvir expressing his approval in a post on X.
Gideon Sa’ar, the incoming foreign minister and leader of New Hope, also congratulated Trump, highlighting his commitment to Israel’s security and his leadership in the Middle East. Similarly, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who is taking over as defense minister, vowed to strengthen U.S.-Israel ties and address the threats posed by Iran.
Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, acknowledged Trump’s friendship with Israel, citing his historic actions, including the Abraham Accords and the recognition of the Golan Heights.
Gantz expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership would ensure continued U.S. support for Israel, especially in light of the growing Iranian threat.
As Israel looks to the future, many in the country are hopeful that Trump’s second term will provide continued support in the fight against regional threats and solidify the long-standing partnership between the two nations.