In major Israeli cities, including Haifa, where I live, “Trump/Vance 2024” campaign signs have been quickly replaced by signs congratulating Donald Trump on his election victory. “Make Israel Great,” reads one sign. “Now is the Time For Sovereignty,” reads another (referring to Israeli annexation of the West Bank), with an image of the Star of David over the occupied West Bank and a picture of Trump.

Israeli support for Trump is not new, of course. Back in 2016, settlers campaigned for Trump, hosting parties and encouraging Israeli Americans to vote for him. By the end of his term, he had higher approval ratings in Israel than in the US. Israeli settlers viewed in him the opportunity to shape US policy towards Israel to their benefit. And they weren’t wrong. From recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital to moving the US embassy, to recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights to stating that settlements do not violate international law, Trump spent his first term fulfilling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wishlist. ….more