Tensions and contradictions marked some of the foreign policy positions articulated by Trump during the campaign, and his precise policy vis-à-vis Israel is likewise difficult to define. What is clear, however, is that Trump’s very election, as well as the administration he will form, reflects change more than it does continuity. Under these circumstances, Israel now has the opportunity to begin a new chapter in its relations with the US. Therefore, when Prime Minister Netanyahu is invited to the White House in the coming months, he would do well to attempt to reach understandings with the new president regarding six fundamental issues: the need to reestablish the mutual sense of trust between the US administration and the Israeli government; US leadership in the Middle East; Iran – the most important strategic issue on the agenda; the crisis in Syria; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and the security of Israel, which as a fundamental component of US-Israel relations, should therefore be affirmed and bolstered.

Although foreign policy in general and US-Israel relations in particular did not feature as a significant issue that tipped the scales in the 2016 US presidential election, there is much interest in Israel regarding Donald Trump’s impending entry into the White House and the future impact of his administration on Israel’s national security.

In contrast to previous US administrations, which promoted defined, clear agendas during their election campaigns, the elected leader lacks a formulated or unified policy regarding the Middle East. President-elect Trump has not announced his foreign policy team: his Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Advisor. Furthermore, like many before him, Trump stands to realize that sitting in the Oval Office is different from stumping on the campaign trail.

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