To fix this, Trump should center U.S. Middle East policy on two chief objectives: disentanglement and deprioritization.
The most immediate issue in the Middle East is America’s deep involvement in Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and in the continued escalation between Israel and Iran.
From the very first days of the war in Gaza — and now, Lebanon — it was clear that Israel was in the driver’s seat, with the United States in tow. Washington’s regional strategy has been reactive in nature, often responding to developments with tepid warnings and empty threats while continuing to provide the arms, military aid, and diplomatic cover that allow Israel’s wars to continue.
In both Gaza and Lebanon, Israel’s wars are devoid of discrete and achievable political objectives.
In Gaza, Israel’s stated objectives are the total elimination of Hamas, and the return of the hostages seized during Hamas’ attack on October 7. Yet, neither has been achieved. The Israeli defense establishment views these two objectives as mutually incompatible, and American officials believe Israel has accomplished all it can militarily in Gaza.
While Hamas is certainly battered and degraded, the group is far from eliminated and has resorted to guerilla tactics against the Israeli military, often popping up in locations Israel previously claimed to have cleared, and it maintains its ability to recruit volunteers. Israel is demanding a lasting military presence in the enclave — something Hamas has rejected as a precondition for a ceasefire and hostage deal.