Gaza, Lebanon, Iran… What Will Trump Do?

7th November 2024

2 minutes read

Gaza, Lebanon, Iran... What Will Trump Do?

The elected U.S. President, Donald Trump, faces numerous issues in the region that require resolution, especially with the escalating conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.

The region, dealing with complex security and political challenges, needs diplomatic investments and international coordination efforts to ensure stability.

With Israel’s war in Gaza entering its first year, a new front opening in Lebanon, and an imminent escalation between Israel and Iran, everyone hopes that the incoming U.S. president will take a bolder role.

Trump is generally considered a strong supporter of Israel. During his previous presidency, he moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which angered the Palestinians.

However, he has openly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that Israel needs to “finish the mission” of the war quickly. While Trump tries to demonstrate his deep affection for Israel, he has also made remarks criticizing Jews to the point where some accused him of antisemitism.

Trump has repeatedly pledged to work closely with the Israeli leadership if he wins the upcoming presidential elections set for November 5.

During his visit to the U.S. Congress in late July, Netanyahu warmly greeted Trump, thanking him for “everything he has done for Israel.”

Regarding Lebanon, Trump stated just three days before the presidential election that it was time to end the Israeli-Lebanese conflict.

He added, “I know many people from Lebanon, and we need to end this once and for all.”

A few days earlier, Trump tweeted on the platform “X”: “During my administration, there was peace in the Middle East, and we will have peace again very soon! I will fix the problems caused by (Vice President and Democratic rival) Kamala Harris and (President) Joe Biden, and end the suffering and destruction in Lebanon.”

He further stated, “I want to see the Middle East return to real peace. Lasting peace. And we will do it right so that it doesn’t repeat every 5 or 10 years. I will maintain equal partnerships among all Lebanese communities.”

Trump, however, did not specify his plans regarding “ending the destruction in Lebanon.”

What about Iran?

Regarding Iran, Trump clarified that he would return to his maximum pressure policy on Iran, perhaps to reach a new agreement with Tehran or to constrain Iran further.

During his presidency, he led the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal.

Trump confirmed that this approach put economic pressure on Iran, reducing its ability to fund proxy groups.

His advisers also suggested that they would extend the maximum pressure campaign and provide full support to the Iranian opposition and activists.

However, without clear objectives or a willingness to negotiate with Tehran to contain further nuclear developments, the outcome could be a new round of instability.