Staff Reports
Israel appears to be preparing what could be described as a diplomatic gift basket, and no, it’s not filled with cookies and fruitcake. Instead, they’re looking to deliver an early foreign policy win to President-elect Donald Trump with a ceasefire deal concerning Lebanon. Word out of Jerusalem is that the Jewish state is eager to jump-start negotiations, most likely in hopes of getting a figurative head start on the Trump administration’s Middle East strategy.
The strategic affairs minister of Israel, Ron Dermer, recently made a beeline for Mar-a-Lago, seemingly trading sunshine and golf for some serious discussions on regional stability. Following that lovely getaway, he hopped over to the White House to update the Biden team on the latest with Lebanon. The news is certainly surprising, considering the more traditional approach often seen in middle-eastern diplomacy, akin to watching paint dry. Instead, it seems Israel is trying to light a fire under negotiations before Trump even settles into his Oval Office seat.
Israel Reportedly Planning Foreign Policy 'Gift' for Trump
https://t.co/AV8WLQbgF2— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 14, 2024
A high ranking source within the Israeli government has mentioned that a close aide to Netanyahu told Trump and Jared Kushner about their ambitions to expedite a ceasefire in Lebanon. This isn’t just a casual meeting to discuss the latest golf scores; it’s a strategic power play aimed at ensuring that Trump can pop the proverbial champagne cork early in his presidency. Apparently, the buzz around the negotiations has legs—at least enough for Israeli officials to think they have something to offer their new best friend in the White House.
However, Israel isn’t putting all their eggs in one basket—if the ceasefire talks flop, they’re reportedly drawing up plans to up their military activities in Lebanon. Nothing says “let’s negotiate” like a little bit of saber-rattling. Details of this ceasefire proposal suggest a cooperative engagement involving both Western and Russian players, indicating that everyone is trying to figure out how to keep tensions simmering without boiling over into full-blown conflict. Although, with a plan that includes troops poised for action across the border, it’s hard to see how the Lebanese officials will be rolling out the welcome mat anytime soon.
Trump’s previous calls with Netanyahu have hinted that both leaders share a genuine concern about Iran and its mischief in the region. The prime minister has expressed optimism about the “great opportunities” for peace, which is always an encouraging sentiment—especially coming from someone who seems to be perpetually defending their country from external threats. Eventually, it will be up to the new administration—and whether they prioritize peace and strength rather than a retreat into the status quo—to determine if these early moves bear fruit or if they end up in the same dusty files as other failed agreements.
