Trump’s Return to the White House: Shaping US Foreign Policy and Middle East Dynamics

Dr. Shay Har-Zvi, a US policy expert and senior researcher at the Institute for Policy and Strategy at Reichman University, recently shared insights into the significant shifts in US policy under President-elect Donald Trump. Har-Zvi noted that Trump’s leadership style and worldview differ greatly from President Joe Biden's, and this will likely influence both domestic and international policies. With a more focused and strategic approach, Trump is expected to prioritize his key goals during the first two years of his presidency, leveraging the conservative Republican majority in Congress and the Supreme Court.

Trump’s leadership style, Har-Zvi explained, is influenced by his background as a businessman who seeks to “close deals from a position of strength.” Trump’s priorities will include improving the US economy, lowering living costs, and addressing the immigration crisis—issues that were central to his campaign. Har-Zvi suggested that Trump may use controlled crises to push forward his diplomatic, economic, and military agendas.

The expert highlighted several past examples of Trump’s unconventional approach, such as his threats regarding the Panama Canal and Greenland, his demands for NATO members to increase defense spending, and his tough stances on international trade. These actions were designed to secure economic benefits and control key global resources, as well as to reduce US military expenditures abroad.

On the global stage, Har-Zvi explained that Trump’s approach to ongoing conflicts—such as the war in Ukraine and Middle East tensions—will be shaped by his desire to limit US involvement in prolonged wars. He sees these conflicts as a drain on US resources and as a barrier to achieving his core objectives.

Turning to the Middle East, Har-Zvi outlined three primary goals for Trump’s foreign policy: resolving the Gaza conflict, facilitating the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He emphasized that these goals are interconnected—success in one area, such as Gaza, could unlock broader opportunities for regional cooperation against Iran and for economic growth in the Middle East.

Har-Zvi also discussed Trump’s potential approach toward Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump is expected to push for more flexibility from Netanyahu, particularly on issues related to Gaza and Palestinian politics, to help secure a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Regarding Iran, Har-Zvi speculated that Trump would seek a “nuclear deal 2.0” to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions, possibly using a “maximum pressure” approach with severe sanctions or even military threats to enforce a new agreement. However, the key question remains whether Trump will push for a comprehensive deal or be willing to compromise to secure an agreement and avoid escalating tensions with Israel or Iran.

In summary, Har-Zvi highlighted that Trump’s return to office is likely to influence both regional and global dynamics significantly. His policies could reshape the Middle East, and Israel will need to adjust its strategies in response to his assertive diplomatic style and willingness to exert pressure on allies.