Many Israelis celebrated Donald Trump’s election victory and view him as an unparalleled ally. His first term solidified that perception: he recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by moving the U.S. embassy there and brokered the historic Abraham Accords. To them, Trump understood Israel’s security concerns, international challenges, and sovereign aspirations.

That belief persists into his second term. So far, he’s backed Israel militarily in its war with Hamas and suggested ideas like evacuating Palestinians from Gaza. Supporters argue that Trump’s alignment with Israel is deep-rooted and enduring. But critics view his support as transactional, not ideological — subject to change if broader U.S. interests, such as relations with Iran, come into play. They also note his wavering commitment to resolving the Gaza conflict, citing recent remarks that suggest a lack of interest in pushing for peace. Some argue his resistance to a two-state solution ensures long-term regional instability.

As Israel navigates a volatile geopolitical landscape, Trump’s role remains divisive. Is his support a genuine strategic partnership—or one driven more by political convenience than principle? We ask: Is Trump Good for Israel?

This release is the first installment of our inaugural foreign policy debate summit: The Trump Doctrine: A Global Reckoning?— a three-part series examining how Donald Trump’s foreign policy in his second term is reshaping U.S. relations with Russia, Europe, and the Middle East.