WASHINGTON — When Donald Trump appointed David Friedman as his ambassador to Israel eight years ago, American Jews sensed — correctly — that it would presage big changes in the U.S.-Israel relationship. Unlike any of his predecessors, Friedman was an Orthodox Jew and a public supporter of West Bank settlements. His ascension led to the […]
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WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump named as his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, a realtor and golf buddy who was present at a recent foiled assassination of Trump. “Steve is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy, who has made every project and community he has been involved with stronger and more prosperous,” Trump […]
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WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump named Mike Huckabee as his ambassador to Israel, picking an evangelical Christian who favors Jewish sovereignty in parts of the West Bank and who, if confirmed, would be the first non-Jew to fill the role in 13 years. “I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Governor of […]
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WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump is filling out his national security team with pro-Israel hawks who favor maximum pressure on Iran to stand down from its belligerence in the region. Reports Monday said Trump planned to name two Floridian allies to top jobs: Sen. Marco Rubio will be tapped to be secretary of state, and […]
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WASHINGTON — When Mark Hetfield started work on Wednesday morning, he did not know what to tell the staff at HIAS, the Jewish immigration aid and advocacy group where he serves as CEO. Donald Trump, who reviles much of what the group does and stands for, had just been elected president. Trump’s actions during his […]
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WASHINGTON — For months on the campaign trail, Donald Trump has said he wants the war in Gaza to end — even reportedly setting a timeline for Israel to finish its campaign against Hamas in the Palestinian territory by his inauguration. He also warned at the Republican convention that if Hamas does not release its […]
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In his victory speech, President Donald Trump singled out constituencies traditionally associated with Democrats who swung toward him on Election Day: Black voters, women, Hispanics, and Arab and Muslim Americans. He did not mention Jews, a demographic who he said before the election would be blamed if he did not win. Jews traditionally vote in […]
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered enthusiastic congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump, saying his victory heralds a “powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.” “Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” Netanyahu said early Wednesday in a message to the once and future president. Netanyahu is no stranger to […]
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WASHINGTON — As midnight arrived on the East Coast, it appeared increasingly likely that Donald Trump would retake the presidency — a victory that would reshape the United States and that could change its relationship with Israel while ushering in an administration whose domestic priorities do not match those of most American Jews. That victory […]
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During campaign stops ahead of Election Day, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris promised Michigan voters that they would work to end Israel’s conflicts — with Trump pledging “peace in the Middle East” and Harris promising to “do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza.” Some of Harris’ most outspoken pro-Palestinian critics, […]
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