Trump’s return could reshape U.S. foreign policy, with a focus on Middle East normalization, Iran containment, and economic priorities.
President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House is expected to bring substantial shifts in U.S. foreign and domestic policy, particularly in the Middle East. According to Dr. Shay Har-Zvi, a senior researcher at Reichman University, Trump’s leadership style—rooted in deal-making and leveraging U.S. strength—will drive a focused approach to securing his legacy.
Dr. Har-Zvi emphasized Trump’s likely prioritization of the Middle East, including resolving the Gaza conflict, brokering Israeli-Saudi normalization, and countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump sees these goals as interconnected, with normalization being pivotal for forming a regional coalition against Tehran and unlocking economic opportunities for both the region and the U.S.
Har-Zvi predicts that Trump will pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accommodate Saudi demands, including ending the Gaza war and offering a political horizon to the Palestinians. “Trump is likely to take a business-like approach, leveraging U.S. support to push for concessions that align with broader regional stability,” he explained.
On Iran, Trump is expected to pursue a “nuclear deal 2.0,” combining economic sanctions with potential military threats to deter Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. However, a key question remains whether he will push for a comprehensive agreement or accept a compromise to avoid escalating the Israel-Iran conflict.
Trump’s overarching foreign policy will likely aim to confront China while resolving other conflicts, such as in Ukraine, to redirect U.S. resources and focus. His past term demonstrated a willingness to pressure allies and demand tangible returns on U.S. investments in global security, an approach Israel must prepare for as it navigates these shifting dynamics.
Dr. Har-Zvi concludes that Trump’s influence is already shaping regional conversations, from hostage negotiations to normalization efforts. The potential for bold, sweeping changes under his leadership underscores the importance of strategic foresight as the Middle East braces for another term of Trump’s unorthodox and high-stakes diplomacy.
