Israel's hard-line national security minister Itamar Ben-Gavir expressed his excitement by writing 'Yesssss' on social media before the counting of votes was finished. He also added Israeli and American flag emojis.

And immediately after the election results were announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Donald Trump as the first world leader and said, "This is a strong commitment to the friendship between Israel and America."

Trump's popularity in Israel

Donald Trump's popularity in Israel is particularly notable. According to a recent poll, about 65 percent of Israelis prefer Trump to Kamala Harris. And the rate is even higher among Israeli Jews; About 72 percent of Jews believe that Israel's interests will be better served with Trump in power.

This is nothing new for Israel. Even before the 2020 election, Trump was very popular in Israel. At the time, about 63 percent of Israelis supported him. A big reason for this support is some of Trump's important actions towards Israel at the time.

He recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He also moved the US embassy there.

He also recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel and implemented the Abraham Accords to normalize Israel's relations with four Arab countries in the Middle East.

The future of the two-state solution

Meanwhile, with Trump's victory, many Israelis believe that the US leader could be a major obstacle to a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

The reason is that Trump announced his Middle East peace plan in 2020, which seemed to many to be compatible with Israel's proposal. These included recognizing Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, declaring Jerusalem the undivided capital of Israel, and denying Palestinian refugees the right of return.

Analysts believe these plans are likely to be reactivated as Trump returns to power. That could make the two-state solution in Palestine forever uncertain.

The relationship between Netanyahu and Trump

The political strategic relationship between Netanyahu and Trump is also influencing this situation. Netanyahu believes Trump's return to power will ease any restrictions on Israel.

But political analysts believe that Netanyahu may not be able to influence Trump as easily as he thinks. Trump is generally not interested in sending US troops to the Gaza war. Although he may be generous with military aid to Israel.

According to analysts, Netanyahu will be able to further emphasize his strategic plans in Gaza and the West Bank with Trump's support.

However, human rights organizations are concerned about the situation and believe that it could increase the international backlash against Israel's hardline actions.

Finally, it can be said that the political relationship between Israel and the United States, which has developed into a deep alliance between the two countries, can be strengthened by the return of Trump to power.

But it could increase challenges for the Palestinian people and complicate the Middle East peace process. Source: Al-Jazeera