Top Points:
Renewed U.S. Support for Israel under Trump: KT McFarland emphasized that a second Trump term would provide Netanyahu with the support needed to "finish the job" in securing peace and stability in the Middle East, especially through a reinforced U.S.-Israel alliance.
Strengthening Middle East Peace Initiatives: Building on the Abraham Accords, McFarland noted that Trump’s pro-Israel stance could lead to further peace agreements with Arab nations, enhancing regional cooperation and deterring common threats, primarily Iran.
Countering Iranian Influence: McFarland highlighted Trump’s tough policy on Iran, which aligns with Netanyahu’s concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence. She anticipates a second Trump administration would reimplement strict policies, curbing Iranian support for destabilizing activities and empowering Israel to act assertively in the region
Full Report:
In a recent appearance on Newsmax, KT McFarland, former Deputy National Security Advisor, shared her insights on the potential impact of a second Trump term on Middle East peace, particularly regarding U.S. relations with Israel. According to McFarland, when Donald Trump returns to the White House, it will significantly bolster Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ability to “finish the job” of securing and maintaining peace in the region.
McFarland highlighted Trump’s proven commitment to a pro-Israel foreign policy during his first term, which saw historic strides toward Middle East stability, most notably with the Abraham Accords. Brokered under the Trump administration, these accords established normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with the vision of expanded regional cooperation and deterrence against shared threats, particularly Iran. McFarland argued that these accords laid a strong foundation that a second Trump administration could build upon to further stabilize the Middle East and strengthen Israel's security.
According to McFarland, Trump’s foreign policy was distinct in its willingness to support Israel unconditionally, a stance she believes will empower Netanyahu to take decisive actions in his own country's interest. This could involve additional peace agreements with Arab nations and potentially more robust action against threats from Iran and its proxies. She pointed to Trump's stance on Iran, including his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and imposition of strict sanctions on Tehran, as a strategy that deprived Israel's adversaries of resources to fund destabilizing activities in the region. McFarland anticipates that Trump would once again pursue a tough policy on Iran, aligning closely with Netanyahu’s long-standing concerns about the Iranian regime's nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
McFarland noted that while President Biden’s administration has prioritized a return to negotiations with Iran and has taken a more cautious approach toward Israel, Trump’s second term would likely be defined by a strong, direct commitment to Israel’s security and an assertive stance against Iranian influence. She asserted that with renewed American support, Netanyahu would have the confidence and resources to “finish the job,” potentially solidifying long-term peace and prosperity for Israel and its neighbors.
In conclusion, McFarland emphasized that Trump’s second term will not only empower Netanyahu but also bring stability and strength to the broader Middle East. She expressed optimism that with the right leadership, the achievements made under Trump’s first term could serve as a catalyst for an enduring peace in the region, solidifying the U.S.-Israel alliance as a cornerstone of Middle Eastern stability.
References:
Newsmax. "KT McFarland Discusses Trump’s Potential Second Term and Its Impact on Israel." Newsmax, 2024.
The Abraham Accords Declaration, U.S. Department of State, 2020.
Trump, Donald J. Peace to Prosperity: A Vision to Improve the Lives of the Palestinian and Israeli People, 2020.
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