Israeli Officials Fear Clash with Trump Over Gaza War if He Wins Presidency

Senior Israeli officials have expressed growing concern over Donald Trump’s repeated calls for Israel to end its war against Hamas in Gaza quickly. With Trump leading in the polls for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Israeli leaders fear a potential clash with the former president should he return to office in January, especially if the war continues into 2025.

“There are internal political constraints to ending the war quickly,” a senior Israeli security official explained, referencing the complexities within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government. Far-right elements, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, oppose hostage deals tied to a ceasefire, creating political roadblocks to a swift resolution.

In addition to internal challenges, Netanyahu’s government is nearly unanimous in opposing the involvement of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza's governance, even though there is no clear alternative to fill the power vacuum left by Hamas. This has further complicated efforts to bring the war to a close, as some fear Hamas could regain strength in areas from which the IDF has already withdrawn.

Despite his previously warm relationship with Trump, Netanyahu now faces a delicate balancing act. Trump’s demand for a quick end to the conflict is at odds with the Israeli government’s current strategy. If Netanyahu finds himself in a clash with Trump, it could become an unprecedented challenge, particularly as Trump remains close to key Arab leaders advocating for an immediate ceasefire.

An opposition lawmaker voiced concern that Netanyahu might not be prepared for such a conflict with Trump. “A fight with Trump is something he hasn’t really had to deal with, and I think it’s something he’d want to avoid,” the lawmaker noted. Trump’s strong ties with Arab leaders like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has hardened his stance on normalizing relations with Israel in the midst of the Gaza war further complicate the picture.

Although Trump and Netanyahu appeared to patch up their differences during a recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago, the possibility of renewed friction looms. Trump’s 2020 defeat led to a rift between the two leaders, and the former president has since criticized Netanyahu for backing out of certain U.S. military plans and for congratulating President Joe Biden on his electoral victory. While Netanyahu may prefer Trump’s return to the White House, Israeli officials remain cautious, knowing that the former president could push for policies that challenge Israel’s current approach to the conflict.

As the war in Gaza continues, Israel’s leadership must weigh the political and military risks of dragging the conflict into a potential Trump presidency. The former president’s close ties with Arab nations could influence his stance on the region, and Israeli officials fear that his pressure for a swift end to the conflict may lead to an unwelcome clash with their internal political realities.

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