If his first term in the White House is any indication, President-elect Donald Trump is likely to keep the Middle East high on his agenda. During his first four years, Trump made history by selecting Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip, attempted to broker a “deal of the century” between Israelis and Palestinians, strengthened the Jewish state’s regional integration, and significantly intensified pressure on Iran. But the Middle East has changed significantly since he left office in 2021, and all regional actors are keenly watching how the new president will navigate these shifts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the president-elect’s victory, emphasizing a strong alliance between Israel and America. Gulf Arab states also congratulated Trump, highlighting their enduring partnership with the US.
