President-elect and Israeli Prime Minister have had 3 calls so far to coordinate responses to escalating regional threats. There’s also the issue of how to work around the fellow currently occupying the Oval Office.
In the aftermath of the recent U.S. presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have engaged in multiple discussions, signaling a renewed alignment in their approach to Middle Eastern security challenges, particularly concerning Iran. Before the election, Trump expressed support for an Israeli strike on Iranian energy plants.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Following his electoral victory, Trump has spoken with Netanyahu on three occasions. These conversations have been described as “good and very important,” with both leaders expressing a shared perspective on regional threats, notably from Iran. Netanyahu emphasized their mutual understanding, stating, “We see eye to eye on the Iranian threat in all its components, and the danger posed by it.” This rapport harks back to their collaboration during Trump’s previous term, which included the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
Iran’s Strategic Calculations
Iran is closely monitoring these developments, particularly the prospect of Trump’s return to the White House. Tehran is concerned that a renewed U.S.-Israel alliance could lead to more aggressive policies against its nuclear program and regional influence. Iranian officials have expressed apprehension that Trump’s policies might embolden Netanyahu to undertake more assertive measures, potentially destabilizing the region further.
Recent Military Escalations
The period has seen significant military activity. On October 1, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles targeting Israeli military sites, marking a substantial escalation in the ongoing conflict. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on October 26 against Iranian military targets, including missile production facilities and air defense systems. These actions have intensified the already volatile situation, with both nations exchanging threats and warnings.
U.S. Policy Considerations
The current U.S. administration has maintained a cautious stance, urging de-escalation while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. Reports indicate that U.S. officials have advised Israel against targeting Iran’s nuclear or oil infrastructure, aiming to prevent a broader regional conflict. However, with Trump’s impending inauguration, there is speculation about a potential shift in U.S. policy, possibly offering Israel greater latitude in its military operations against Iran. Joe Biden has proven to be a non-active forces, wielding a duplicitous policy toward Israel and equivocal support.
Potential Iranian Response
In the wake of Israel’s recent strikes, Iran has vowed a “strong and complex” retaliation. Analysts suggest that Tehran may be planning a more aggressive response, potentially involving missile attacks from Iraqi territory targeting Israeli military installations. The timing of such actions is speculated to be between the U.S. election and Trump’s inauguration, a period perceived as a strategic window for Iran to assert its position before any new U.S. policies are implemented.
Regional Implications
The evolving dynamics between the U.S., Israel, and Iran have significant implications for the Middle East. Neighboring countries are bracing for potential fallout, with concerns about the conflict spilling over into their territories. The international community is closely watching these developments, apprehensive about the possibility of a broader war that could disrupt global stability and economic markets.
Israeli “defense” demands eliminating the THREAT entirely! Otherwise all that’s happening is setting Israel up for the NEXT round of murderous attacks. The administration HAS to know that; it’s been going on for decades! The ONLY route to peace in the region is eliminating the threat completely and Israelis occupying and controlling ALL the land from the Jordan to the Med, and from the Golan to the Philadelphi corridor! Anything and everything less is just a recipe for more of the same violence! Lebanon must establish a buffer zone, where ONLY Lebanese Christians may live and work. Teheran needs to understand 1 more missile from them or proxies, and THEY get bombed back to the stone age! They can either accept that Yhwh put Israel and the Jews there, or lose it all; their choice…