**Trump Win: Impact On Israel-Palestine, Ukraine**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 07, 2024

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Trump Win: Impact on Israel-Palestine and Ukraine

The 2016 US Presidential election, which saw Donald Trump ascend to the White House, had significant implications for international relations, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. His policies and rhetoric profoundly impacted the complex dynamics between Israel and Palestine, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This article explores the key ways Trump's presidency shaped these geopolitical landscapes.

Israel-Palestine: A Shift in US Policy

Trump's administration marked a departure from previous US presidents, who had traditionally sought to facilitate a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump's approach, often characterized as pro-Israel, saw a distinct shift in US policy:

1. Recognition of Jerusalem: One of the most significant moves was the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the subsequent relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv. This decision, condemned by the international community, was seen as a blatant disregard for Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

2. Cutting Funding to Palestinian Organizations: The Trump administration also cut funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), citing concerns about its alleged bias and mismanagement. This decision further strained US-Palestinian relations and had a significant impact on Palestinian humanitarian aid.

3. Supporting Israel's Settlements: Unlike his predecessors, Trump expressed support for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are deemed illegal under international law. This stance was seen as a major setback for peace efforts, as it emboldened Israel to expand settlements and further erode the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state.

Ukraine: A Complex Relationship

While Trump's relationship with Israel was largely characterized by support, his stance on Ukraine was more complex and often controversial.

1. Impeachment Inquiry: Trump's attempt to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate his political rival Joe Biden led to his impeachment inquiry by the House of Representatives in 2019. This episode highlighted the vulnerability of Ukraine to foreign interference and cast a shadow on US-Ukraine relations.

2. Arms Sales and Military Aid: Despite the controversies, the Trump administration provided Ukraine with substantial military aid and approved the sale of lethal weapons. This was seen as a positive step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

3. "Peace Deal" with Russia: Trump also made attempts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, notably meeting with Putin in Helsinki in 2018. However, these efforts were criticized for failing to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine and for neglecting the concerns of Ukrainian leaders.

Long-Term Implications

The impact of Trump's presidency on Israel-Palestine and Ukraine will continue to be felt for years to come. His policies, while seemingly benefiting Israel in the short term, arguably made a two-state solution even more distant. His unpredictable approach to Ukraine left the country facing ongoing challenges from Russia while also creating tension in its relationship with the US.

The legacy of Trump's foreign policy in these regions is a complex and controversial one, raising questions about the future of US involvement in these critical geopolitical hotspots.

Keywords: Trump, Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, US, foreign policy, two-state solution, Jerusalem, settlements, Russia, impeachment, military aid, peace deal, international relations.