President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for his administration did not surprise many, especially given his reliance on the far-right for his presidential campaign victory.
Trump, known for his close ties to the “Zionist lobby” in the U.S. and his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in his first term, has chosen some of the most pro-Israel figures in American politics for high-ranking positions. This move comes at a time when the Middle East is embroiled in fierce wars on multiple fronts, with tensions threatening to spill over across the region.
Details of Trump’s administration have gradually emerged, with approximately ten prominent figures slated to lead key U.S. departments and agencies.
Secretary of State
American media sources suggest that Trump may select Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, making him the first Latino in the role of top U.S. diplomat.
Rubio, born in Florida, is known for his hardline stance on foreign policy. In recent years, he has called for a robust approach to perceived adversaries like China, Iran, and Cuba. A staunch supporter of Israel, Rubio rejects neutrality on the issue of Palestine. Following his nomination, a 2023 video circulated on social media, in which Rubio advocates for continuing the war on Gaza until the last member of Hamas is defeated.
Rubio is also known for his anti-China stance and has a record of opposing the normalization of U.S. relations with Cuba, alongside his criticism of Huawei’s influence.
The “Warrior” Broadcaster
Trump has nominated former military officer and TV host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.
Hegseth, a Harvard and Princeton graduate and veteran of Guantanamo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, spent eight years as a Fox News anchor. He is an ardent supporter of military action against Gaza, frequently voicing his belief in the necessity of destroying the enclave and calling for strikes against Iran.
The Pro-Israel Ambassador
Trump announced former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the new U.S. Ambassador to Israel, describing him as “a great lover of Israel, beloved by the Israeli people.” Trump expressed confidence in Huckabee’s commitment to pursuing peace in the Middle East.
Huckabee, a Christian pastor born in 1955, has consistently supported Israel, advocating for settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Shortly after his appointment, Huckabee mentioned the possibility of annexing the West Bank. In a 2017 interview on CNN, he rejected the term “West Bank,” calling it “Judea and Samaria,” the biblical names used by some to refer to the occupied Palestinian territories.
Middle East Envoy
Trump’s choice for Middle East envoy is real estate mogul and major campaign donor Steven Witkoff, a close friend and frequent golf partner of Trump.
A dedicated supporter of Israel, Witkoff has rallied the Jewish business community in support of Trump, especially after President Biden halted a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. Witkoff, in a recent interview with American media, said he joined with prominent Jewish donors to support Trump’s campaign in May.
National Security Advisor
Trump’s pick for National Security Advisor, an influential role in the White House that doesn’t require Senate confirmation, is Republican Congressman Mike Waltz.
Waltz, a member of the House since 2019, serves on the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence committees. Trump praised Waltz as an expert on threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and global terrorism, calling him a champion of an “America First” foreign policy.
A firm supporter of aggression against Gaza, Waltz recently told Fox News that a ceasefire and the release of hostages wouldn’t resolve the conflict. “Iran will continue fueling unrest, seeking Israel’s destruction,” he said, arguing that constant concessions to Iran destabilize the region.
CIA Spy Chief
Trump announced his intention to appoint John Ratcliffe as the new CIA Director. Ratcliffe previously served as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in 2020 and pledged to monitor issues like Iran’s military and North Korea’s nuclear program.
In May 2020, Ratcliffe was recognized as one of the nation’s top intelligence officers.
U.N. Envoy Critical of the U.N.
Trump’s nominee for U.N. ambassador, Elise Stefanik, is a prominent Republican known for her unwavering support for Israel and her criticism of the United Nations, which she has accused of anti-Semitism.
Recently, Stefanik called for a “full reevaluation” of U.S. funding for the U.N. in response to Palestinian efforts to hold Israel accountable for alleged human rights abuses and war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. She has also supported moves to cut funding for UNRWA, which she claims collaborates with Hamas.
Killing the Two-State Solution
Israeli occupation authorities are optimistic about Trump’s unwavering support for Middle Eastern wars. Israeli writer and researcher Ariel Yoelstein, writing in Israel Hayom, hailed Trump’s re-election as “good news for Israel,” noting that his second term could support efforts to eradicate Hamas in Gaza, curb Hezbollah’s threat in Lebanon, and limit Iran’s influence.
Yoelstein argued that these developments, starting on January 20, 2025, could strengthen the partnership between Washington and Jerusalem without the obstacles posed by the previous administration. He further suggested that Trump’s return could allow for a decisive move in the region’s favor: the final burial of the two-state solution and the notion of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.
Netanyahu’s U.S. Wing
An analysis in the Washington Post by international affairs columnist Ishaan Tharoor noted that Trump’s appointments will empower Israel’s hardliners. Tharoor pointed out that Trump’s choices, including Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel, and John Ratcliffe as CIA Director, all share an ideological alignment with Netanyahu’s policies.appointments would strengthen Israel’s right wing. Tharoor highlights Hegseth’s rejection of a two-state solution and Ratcliffe’s support for Israeli arms supplies despite humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
These appointments, reflective of Israel’s leadership, signal the alignment of the upcoming U.S. administration with Israel’s hardline policies.
