For Jewish Americans, Israelis, and those who cherish the bond between the United States and Israel, the case for supporting former President Donald Trump is compelling. His record of achievements directly supporting Israel and standing against anti-Israel forces globally is significant, as shown by these numerous actions:
A Commitment to Strengthening Israel’s Security
1. Recognition of Jerusalem: Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017, a move followed by relocating the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018—a promise made but never fulfilled by previous presidents .
2. Recognition of the Golan Heights: In March 2019, Trump recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a region key to Israel's security .
3. Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal: Trump’s administration withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, claiming it was inadequate in preventing Iran's nuclear ambitions. This was followed by intensified sanctions on Iran, targeting its support for Hezbollah and other hostile actions in the region .
4. Increased Security Aid: The Trump administration increased U.S. security assistance to Israel by $400 million as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities .
Historical Diplomatic Moves and Symbolic Gestures
1. The Abraham Accords: Trump’s diplomatic breakthrough, known as the Abraham Accords, led to normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan in 2020. These accords marked a historic shift, as previous administrations believed peace with these nations required first resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict .
2. Support for Israeli Settlements: In November 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the U.S. would no longer consider Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria as violations of international law, a significant policy shift that aligned with many Israelis' views on the legitimacy of these communities .
3. Withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council: In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council, citing its bias against Israel, as well as a pattern of “chronic anti-Israel bias” and ignoring other global human rights concerns .
4. Protecting Jewish Rights on Campuses: Trump signed an executive order in 2019 to strengthen protections against anti-Semitic discrimination on college campuses, which had become a significant concern due to rising anti-Israel sentiment in academic settings .
Unwavering Support in Regional Conflicts and Self-Defense
1. Consistently Supporting Israel in Regional Conflicts: Trump offered vocal support for Israel’s right to self-defense, particularly during escalations in Gaza. This support underscored the administration’s position that Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket attacks and other threats posed by Hamas and similar organizations .
2. Sanctioning Hezbollah and Cutting Aid to Iran’s Allies: Trump’s administration imposed sanctions on Hezbollah and its affiliates, aiming to curb Iran’s influence in the region. These actions included significant cuts to foreign aid to Lebanon to prevent funds from reaching Hezbollah .
Legacy of Strong Diplomatic Alliances
Trump’s policies, both direct and symbolic, solidified alliances and challenged anti-Israel narratives:
1. Halting Funding to the Palestinian Authority: The Trump administration cut off hundreds of millions in aid to the Palestinian Authority, largely in response to concerns over incitement to violence .
2. Blocking Anti-Israel Figures: Figures such as Omar Barghouti, founder of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, were denied entry to the U.S. under Trump, a stance widely applauded by those opposing anti-Israel activism .
3. Condemning Anti-Israel Bias in International Bodies: Trump’s decision to close the PLO office in Washington, DC, was in line with his commitment to holding the Palestinian Authority accountable for its rhetoric and actions against Israel .
Conclusion
For Jewish Americans, Israelis, and those who prioritize a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, Trump’s record represents historic achievements. His actions go beyond rhetoric, embodying tangible support and leadership. As voters weigh their options, Trump’s achievements serve as a reminder of his lasting impact on Israel's security, sovereignty, and international standing.
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Sources:
1. U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem Announcement – U.S. State Department
2. "Trump Moves U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem" – The Guardian
3. "Trump Recognizes Golan Heights as Israeli Territory" – BBC News
4. "Trump Withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal" – Reuters
5. "Impact of Sanctions on Iran's Military Support" – Washington Post
6. "Trump Increases Aid to Israel" – Jerusalem Post
7. "The Abraham Accords" – White House Archives
8. "Normalization of Israel-UAE Relations" – Al Jazeera
9. "Pompeo’s Announcement on Israeli Settlements" – New York Times
10. "U.S. Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council" – NBC News
11. "Trump’s Executive Order on Anti-Semitism" – The Hill
12. "U.S. Support for Israel During Gaza Escalation" – CNN
13. "Sanctions on Hezbollah" – Haaretz
14. "Aid Cuts to Palestinian Authority" – Wall Street Journal
15. "U.S. Denies Visa to BDS Founder" – Reuters
16. "Closure of PLO Office in Washington, D.C." – Politico
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