The entire world was watching the US presidential election. At the end of that election, the results came. Former President Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States. Trump's close allies are very happy with this victory. But has the Middle East been able to be happy in this sense of Trump's victory? How do the Middle East and Arab countries see Trump's return to power, who has always supported Israel in the Gaza war?
Several countries in the Middle East, including Palestine, were already worried about Trump's election as president. Because Trump, who is known as a close ally of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, came to power, there was a fear that support for Israel would increase in the future. That fear may now be true.
However, despite all this, the countries of the Middle East welcomed Trump as the US president, and also talked about establishing new relations. He expressed hope that the opportunities that were blocked during the time of Joe Biden will be available under Trump. At the same time, the Middle East countries have responded by expressing optimism that new opportunities will be created.
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be the happiest of Trump's return to power. He said in a statement about Trump's victory, 'Your historic return to the White House is a new beginning for America. Represents a strong commitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. Together, we will strengthen the US-Israel alliance'
The country's Defense Minister Israel Katz said after Trump's victory, 'Together, we will strengthen the American-Israeli alliance. Will bring back the hostages and stand firm in defeating the evil axis led by Iran.'
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi royal family, another group that has welcomed Trump's return. Because Trump developed a close relationship with the Saudi royal family while in power. Which is why Saudi Arabia's King Salman and his son, de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, congratulated Trump on his return to power.
A statement said, 'close ties between two friendly countries and peoples, which each wants to strengthen and develop in all areas.'
Palestine
Relations between Trump and the Palestinians have never been warmer. However, President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Trump's assumption of power. He also expressed hope that Trump will give priority to the wishes of the Palestinian people.
"We remain steadfast in our commitment to peace and we are confident that the United States, under your leadership, will support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people," the leader said.
Hamas, which fights for Palestinian independence, said, "Our position with the new US administration will depend on its position and practical actions towards the Palestinian people, their legitimate rights and their justice."
Türkiye
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Trump, calling him a 'friend', saying, 'I believe more efforts will be made for a fairer world.' I hope the election will be auspicious to the friendly and allied peoples of the United States and to all humanity.' At the same time, Erdogan also expressed optimism that the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza will end during the Trump administration.
Iraq
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani congratulated Trump and wrote in a statement on social media, 'We confirm Iraq's firm commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States based on mutual respect and common interests. We look forward to this new phase to usher in deeper cooperation between our two countries in various fields, which will contribute to achieving sustainable development and benefit the two friendly peoples.'
Countries elsewhere in the Middle East
The leaders of Lebanon, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Egypt also issued statements congratulating Trump. They also expressed hope that the relationship with the Middle East will be stronger as Trump has been elected as the US president.
