Trump’s Path to a Safer Middle East

Donald Trump’s second term presents an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the global landscape in the fight against radical extremism, starting in the Middle East and radiating outward to impact the entire world. Through his unwavering support for Israel, decisive measures to counter international complacency, and bold steps to hold malign actors accountable, Trump is poised to establish a legacy that prioritizes security, prosperity, and the triumph of democratic values over extremism.

 

Cutting U.S. Funding to UNRWA: Exposing a Complicit Organization

One of Trump’s most significant actions is the termination of U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), a decision that strikes at the core of an organization deeply entangled in perpetuating extremism. UNRWA has long been accused of fostering an environment that enables Hamas, the U.S.-designated terrorist organization governing Gaza, to thrive. The revelation that UNRWA employees participated in the heinous October 7 massacre, which left 1,200 Israelis and others brutally murdered and 251 taken captive, calls attention to the agency’s complicity.

By cutting ties with UNRWA, Trump dismantles a mechanism that has shielded Hamas and sustained its operations. UNRWA perpetuates the myth that Palestinians remain refugees, despite the fact that Gaza is their home and its civilian population democratically elected Hamas. This false narrative has been wielded as a tool to garner international sympathy and cast Israel as an oppressor, distracting from the reality that Palestinian leadership has consistently prioritized terror over governance. Trump’s decision redirects U.S. resources toward meaningful efforts that align with peace and accountability, challenging decades of international complicity in the region’s instability.

 

Standing with Jewish Settlers: Protecting the Victims of Terror

Trump’s executive order reversing Biden-era sanctions on Jewish settlers in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) underscores his commitment to correcting misguided narratives that vilify the very people most affected by Arab terrorism. Jewish settlers have long been depicted as provocateurs, but the reality is that they are often victims of violence, living under the constant threat of attacks from extremist groups.

By eliminating punitive measures against settlers, Trump not only ensures fairness but also sends a clear message that the U.S. stands resolutely with its allies against terrorism. This policy pivot emphasizes the right of Jewish communities to exist peacefully in their ancestral homeland while rejecting measures that embolden their aggressors.

 

Revoking Biden’s ICC Policy: Protecting Sovereignty and Allies

Trump’s revocation of Biden’s executive order lifting sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) represents a pivotal stand against an institution that has repeatedly targeted Israel with politically motivated accusations. The ICC’s attempts to prosecute Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflect a broader agenda to delegitimize democratic nations while turning a blind eye to egregious violations committed by authoritarian regimes.

By reinstating the national emergency related to the ICC, Trump signals a return to policies that protect U.S. sovereignty and shield allies like Israel from biased prosecution. While this action doesn’t immediately reinstate the prior sanctions, it lays the groundwork for a robust response to future overreach by the court, reaffirming America’s commitment to justice on its own terms.

 

Rebuilding U.S.-Israel Military Cooperation

Trump’s relationship with Israel has been a cornerstone of his foreign policy, and his administration is expected to restore critical military aid disrupted by the Biden administration. In May 2024, Biden’s decision to halt the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel amid a prolonged conflict in Gaza triggered a crisis in U.S.-Israel relations. Such actions not only weakened Israel’s ability to defend itself but also signaled wavering American support during a time of need.

Trump’s anticipated decision to lift the hold on these munitions would reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. By ensuring Israel has the tools necessary to combat terrorism and protect its citizens, Trump sends a resounding message to the world: the U.S. stands firmly with its allies in the fight against extremism.

 

Expanding the Abraham Accords: A Path to Peace

Building on the success of the Abraham Accords, Trump’s efforts to broker normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia could redefine the Middle East. Economic cooperation between these regional powers offers a pathway to prosperity and stability, reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies fueled by poverty and disenfranchisement.

A Saudi-Israeli alliance would not only bolster regional security but also pave the way for broader collaboration on trade, technology, and innovation. By championing these initiatives, Trump focuses on the transformative potential of diplomacy rooted in mutual interests and shared prosperity.

 

Confronting Anti-Israel Unrest on U.S. Campuses

Domestically, Trump is tackling the rise of anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses, where a dangerous alliance between radical Islamic groups and Marxist ideologies has taken root. By proposing taxes on the endowments of elite universities that foster such narratives, Trump targets the institutional frameworks enabling this unrest. These schools, guided by what Trump calls the “Deep State,” have increasingly promoted values antithetical to American principles, fostering hostility toward Israel and its allies.

In tandem, Trump’s intention to bar foreign students with nefarious political agendas from entering the U.S. reinforces his commitment to protecting academic spaces from becoming breeding grounds for extremism. These measures aim to restore balance and ensure that American universities reflect values of tolerance, intellectual rigor, and respect for democratic allies such as Israel.

 

A Vision for Global Stability

Trump’s policies are not merely reactions to current crises but components of a broader vision to eradicate radical extremism and promote stability. By dismantling institutions such as UNRWA, protecting Jewish settlers, countering ICC overreach, and strengthening alliances, Trump lays the foundation for a safer Middle East and a more secure world.

His administration’s actions challenge long-standing biases and demand accountability from entities that have perpetuated instability. Whether through military cooperation, diplomatic innovation, or domestic reforms, Trump’s leadership reflects a commitment to addressing the root causes of extremism while empowering allies to thrive.

 

A Legacy of Strength and Resolve

Donald Trump’s unwavering support for Israel and bold policies to confront radical extremism position him as a leader uniquely capable of reshaping the geopolitical landscape. From cutting funding to complicit organizations to fostering groundbreaking alliances, Trump’s approach combines pragmatism with an unyielding commitment to justice and security.

As the world watches his second term unfold, Trump’s actions serve as a testament to the power of decisive leadership in confronting the challenges of our time. By championing Israel, defending democratic principles, and dismantling the frameworks that enable extremism, Trump is charting a course toward a future defined by peace, prosperity, and the triumph of shared values over division and hate.