Dennis Ross on Trump's 'America First' Approach to Foreign Policy and Israel

Trump's 'America First' Foreign Policy

• 🎯 Donald Trump's primary motivation is 'America First,' meaning he prioritizes what he perceives as U.S. interests above all else.
• ⚠️ This approach often means he acts without significant regard for the concerns or perspectives of other nations, including allies.
• 📈 We've seen this pattern repeatedly, such as in the deal with the Houthis, which was made without consulting Israel, despite a recent Houthi missile attack near an Israeli airport.

Shifting Alliances and Diplomacy

• 🤝 Trump has engaged in significant diplomatic and business dealings, including a lavish state dinner in Qatar and multi-billion dollar business deals, such as an order for 160 Boeing jets.
• 🇸🇾 He met with Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Shar, and announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions, a move influenced by suggestions from Saudi Arabia and Turkey's President Erdogan.
• 🇮🇷 Regarding Iran, Trump expressed a desire for a deal but set strict conditions: ending terror sponsorship, halting proxy wars, and permanently ceasing nuclear weapons pursuit.

U.S.-Israeli Relations Under Trump

• 📉 While generally supportive of Israel, Trump's actions signal that when he believes it's in America's interest, he will proceed without much consideration for Israeli viewpoints.
• 🤝 Examples include the Houthi deal and, notably, the first administration to deal directly with Hamas without informing Israel, which they discovered through their own intelligence.
• 🔓 The release of dual citizen Eden Alexander was also done without Israeli consultation, highlighting a pattern of prioritizing U.S. interests as he defines them.

Prospects for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release

• ❓ Ambassador Ross suggests there's a 50/50 chance of another deal being struck soon for the release of some hostages and a 45-day ceasefire.
• ⏳ Hamas will likely interpret this as an end to the conflict, while Israel will maintain it will continue.
• ⏳ Trump's patience may eventually run out, leading him to want to see the war end, potentially influencing the timing and nature of any future agreements.