Gulf Futures

Contrasting US Foreign Policy Paradigms: The Trump Administration Versus the Harris Administration

The foreign policy doctrine concerning Palestine under the Trump administration exhibits a stark divergence from the approach signaled by Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s foreign policy was distinguished by an unequivocal pro-Israel orientation, notably exemplified by the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and the endorsement of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In marked contrast, Harris has articulated a commitment to a two-state solution, advocating for a more equitable method that underscores the necessity for direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian entities (NPR, 2024; The New Arab, 2024).

Whereas Trump’s directives favored unilateral maneuvers, Harris champions a resurgence of diplomatic engagement aimed at alleviating entrenched tensions (Press Xpress, 2024).

Reevaluating Annexation Policies and Settlement Expansion: The Shift from Trump to Harris

During Trump’s tenure, U.S. policy underwent a significant pivot in alignment with Israeli interests, notably in its tacit acceptance of Israeli settlement proliferation in the West Bank and proposals that, according to some analysts, indirectly bolstered annexation initiatives. The Trump administration’s strategy was characterized by minimal pressure directed at Israel to cease these activities, seemingly consonant with hardline Israeli perspectives. In the Biden administration, however, Vice President Kamala Harris has signaled a more equitable stance, advocating for a two-state resolution and denouncing unilateral actions such as annexation, thereby reevaluating settlement policies and striving for renewed discourse and collaboration (Brookings, 2023; Arab Center DC, 2024; CSIS, 2024).

Critique of Occupation and Human Rights: The Harris Administration’s Compliance with International Law

The Harris administration adopts a more traditional stance regarding international law in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rigorously emphasizing human rights issues and expressing explicit condemnation of the Israeli occupation. Departing from the Trump administration’s alignment with Israeli policies, the Harris administration regards the expansion of settlements and the treatment of Palestinians as stark violations of international norms. Committed to a two-state framework, this administration calls for renewed dialogue and adherence to human rights as central to peace pursuits (GovInfo, 2024; The Guardian, 2017; Vox, 2023).

It endeavors to reintegrate with international bodies to address humanitarian imperatives and uphold legal structures safeguarding Palestinian rights (Just Security, 2024).

Transitioning from Aid Reductions to Restoration: Altered U.S. Support for Gaza and the West Bank

The transition from Trump’s administration to that of Harris heralds a compelling pivot in U.S. policy towards the Palestinian territories, particularly regarding fiscal assistance. Trump’s administration witnessed substantial reductions in aid for Palestinians, severely undermining humanitarian initiatives and economic viability in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Conversely, the Harris administration has endeavored to restore this aid, underscoring the significance of supporting peace efforts and humanitarian interventions (GovInfo, 2024; AJC, 2020; Foreign Policy, 2024).

This restoration aims to rekindle trust and contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for the Palestinian populace, alleviating tensions and fostering constructive dialogue (The White House, 2024).

Revisiting Refugee Status and Engaging Hamas: Harris’s Middle East Peace Initiatives

Under Vice President Harris’s vision for Middle Eastern peace initiatives, there exists a pronounced emphasis on redefining the status of Palestinian refugees and addressing the dynamics surrounding Hamas. This reformation entails seeking a comprehensive understanding of refugee rights and ensuring their perspectives are integral to peace negotiations. Harris promotes renewed humanitarian efforts, endeavoring to ameliorate conditions that engender discontent (Forward, 2024; Arab Center DC, 2024).

Engagement with Hamas, albeit contentious, is perceived as a pivotal step toward fostering dialogue, diminishing violence, and encouraging political integration, thus paving a more sustainable route to peace (U.S. Department of the Treasury, 2024).

Navigating the Path to a Two-State Solution: Evolving Responses to UN Resolutions and International Mediation

The trajectory towards a two-state solution has been influenced by disparate responses to UN resolutions and international mediators. Under Trump, U.S. adherence to UN efforts waned, notably illustrated by a Middle Eastern peace proposal that was perceived as heavily favoring Israeli interests. Conversely, Kamala Harris, as part of the Biden administration, appears more attuned to traditional diplomatic strategies, favoring multilateral cooperation (BBC, 2019; Aspenia, 2024; Asia Times, 2024).

This methodology seeks a restoration of dialogue predicated on pre-1967 borders and mutual recognition, positioning the U.S. as a mediator sensitive to both Israeli security considerations and Palestinian aspirations for statehood (UN Press, 2024).

Reassessing Economic Sanctions and Incentives: Divergent Approaches in the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Reevaluating economic sanctions and incentives within the Israel-Palestine framework is pivotal for understanding the disparate strategies of Trump and Harris. The Trump administration gravitated towards economic inducements, notably encapsulated in the economic dimensions of the Abraham Accords, aimed at stimulating peace while downplaying direct sanctions against Israel. In contrast, Harris’s strategy contemplates a balanced amalgamation of incentives supplemented by potential sanctions to ensure compliance with human rights obligations (Pakistan Today, 2024; Jewish Virtual Library, 2020).

This involves leveraging economic instruments to foster negotiation and collaboration while upholding accountability through targeted measures, thereby striving for a more equitable resolution in the protracted conflict (GovInfo, 2024).

Evolving Priorities in U.S. Aid: Military Versus Humanitarian Support Across Administrations

Under President Trump, U.S. assistance to the Palestinians experienced a considerable decline, with a clear realignment towards prioritizing military support for regional allies, particularly Israel, while drastically curtailing humanitarian aid for Palestinians. This stance harmonized with Trump’s broader Middle Eastern strategy, underscoring security imperatives. Conversely, Vice President Harris indicates a prospective reorientation of priorities, emphasizing the reinstatement of humanitarian aid for Palestinians while continuing to assure Israel’s security (LinkedIn, 2024; Middle East Eye, 2024; Hillel, 2024).

This transition suggests an attempt at equilibrium, aiming to address Palestinian needs while fostering an environment conducive to regional peace and stability (Eurasia Review, 2024).

Evaluating the Evolution of U.S. Responses to Israeli Settlements: A Shift from Trump to Harris

The Trump administration embraced a markedly supportive posture toward Israeli settlements in the West Bank, notably recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and endorsing Israeli sovereignty in contentious territories, a departure from prior U.S. policy. However, with Kamala Harris at the helm, the Biden administration has reengaged with a more traditional stance, underscoring the illegality of settlements in accordance with international law and advocating for a two-state resolution (Los Angeles Times, 2021).

This pivot seeks to restore balanced diplomacy, endeavoring to facilitate peace by engaging with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders while reinforcing the significance of negotiations (Jewish Virtual Library, 2024).

Impact of Trump and Harris Policies on Hamas’s Political Strategy

The policy trajectories of both the Trump administration and the shifting stance of Kamala Harris exert substantial influence on Hamas’s political strategy. Under Trump, the administration’s robust support for Israel and measures such as the embassy relocation emboldened hardline positions within Hamas, diminishing incentives for moderation. In contrast, Harris’s potential pivot toward a more balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could herald a renewal of dialogue (Eurasia Review, 2024; Islamic Republic News Agency, 2024).

Such an evolution may compel Hamas to recalibrate its strategies, balancing the façade of militant posturing with a newfound political pragmatism in response to contrasting U.S. diplomatic overtures (International Security, 2024).

Transformative Shifts in Strategic Alliances in the Middle East: Trump Versus Harris

During the Trump administration, a dramatic realignment of Middle Eastern alliances occurred, epitomized by the Abraham Accords, which established normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE and Bahrain, thereby strengthening U.S.-Israeli ties and diminishing traditional Palestinian alliances. Conversely, the Biden-Harris administration has refocused its efforts on restoring U.S. relations with the Palestinians, accentuating humanitarian aid and diplomatic dialogue (NPR, 2023; Foreign Affairs, 2017; Electronic Intifada, 2024).

While maintaining the foundational elements of the Abraham Accords, the Harris administration seeks to balance unwavering support for Israel with a renewed commitment to engage with Palestinian leadership, thereby reflecting a nuanced approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy (Brookings, 2024).

Harris’s Fresh Perspectives on UN Resolutions and International Consensus

Harris’s approach to United Nations resolutions and global perspectives on Palestine represents a significant departure from her predecessor’s policies. She endorses a multilateral strategy, prioritizing dialogues with pivotal international partners to cultivate consensus. Harris is dedicated to rekindling collaborative relations with UN agencies addressing Palestinian issues, aligning U.S. policies with broader global viewpoints, advocating for a two-state solution while accentuating humanitarian considerations (Press Xpress, 2024; UN Press, 2024; Forward, 2024).

Harris’s emphasis on upholding international law aims to rebuild trust with allies, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to global peace initiatives endorsed by the international community.

Reassessing Legal Narratives of International Law in U.S. Policy Toward Palestine

Reevaluating the legal narratives surrounding international law in U.S. policy toward Palestine entails scrutinizing how each administration interprets legal norms and obligations. Throughout Trump’s tenure, there was a conspicuous pivot toward recognizing Israeli territorial claims, often marginalizing conventional interpretations of international law regarding settlements and sovereignty. This approach redefined diplomatic horizons by focusing on negotiated settlements favoring Israeli perspectives. Conversely, Harris, in her vice-presidential capacity, emphasizes engagement with international organizations and adherence to established legal frameworks, championing a two-state solution that aligns with prevailing international legal standards and fostering a diplomatic atmosphere conducive to Palestinian aspirations (Jewish Virtual Library, 2024; Progressive, 2024; J Street, 2024).

Contrasting Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Progress Towards Middle Eastern Peace

The divergent leadership styles of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris bear significant implications for progress in Middle Eastern peace negotiations. Trump’s approach was often marked by assertive unilateral decisions, such as the controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, which exacerbated regional tensions and marginalized Palestinians in the negotiation process. His transactional diplomacy prioritized agreements favorable to specific allies. In stark contrast, Harris advocates for a collaborative diplomatic framework, emphasizing multilateral discourse and respect for human rights, with the objective of revitalizing negotiations rooted in reciprocal acknowledgment and respect (Shortform, 2024; The Brookings Institution, 2024).

Her leadership style aspires to engage a broader international coalition, potentially fostering a more balanced discourse, though it may encounter challenges from entrenched geopolitical interests.