Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s right-wing government celebrated on Wednesday after Republican candidate Donald Trump claimed victory in the US presidential election, seeing it as a turning point for Israeli-American relations.
The results brought relief to Netanyahu’s coalition, which has frequently clashed with incumbent President Joe Biden’s administration over conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Netanyahu praised Trump, calling his expected return to the White House “history’s greatest comeback” and signaling optimism for renewed cooperation.
“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” Netanyahu said in a statement, hailing the election as a “huge victory.”
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been at the center of escalating war crisis in the Middle East, with the US administration offering reluctant support to its ally.
In response, former US President Donald Trump has positioned himself as Israel’s steadfast defender, expressing urgency for Israel to achieve a swift victory. Trump has shared that he advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “win the war quickly,” reflecting his strong stance on supporting Israel’s objectives.
At the Israeli-American Council summit in Washington, DC, Trump sought to strengthen his image as Israel’s “protector,” appealing directly to Jewish voters. Warning against supporting his political rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, he said, “It’s total annihilation — that’s what you’re talking about. You have a big protector in me. You don’t have a protector on the other side.”
Trump’s statements reflected his bid to distinguish his approach from the current administration, as he casted himself as the unwavering ally Israel needs amid the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s government also echoed the excitement over Trump’s victory. National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who leads one of two hardline, pro-settler factions in the coalition, reacted with a jubilant “Yesssss, God bless Trump,” on social media platform X. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of another pro-settler party, expressed similar sentiments, saying, “God bless Israel, God bless America.”
The election results were also welcomed by Israeli settler leaders, who have felt increased pressure under Biden’s administration, which imposed sanctions and asset freezes on certain settler groups involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Israel Ganz, chairman of the Yesha Council representing settlers, voiced hopes for a more supportive stance from the US.
“We expect to have an ally standing unconditionally beside us as we fight the battles that are a war on the entire West,” Ganz said in a message to Reuters, underscoring the strong expectations from Trump’s potential second term.