President Trump signed a flurry of orders right after his inauguration (video clip)

Trump Reverses Biden Policies, Strengthens U.S.-Israel Alliance

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The Judean Staff
International

In a monumental and electrifying start to his second term as the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump wasted no time in executing an ambitious agenda that sent shockwaves through the global diplomatic arena. In his first hours back in the Oval Office, Trump dismantled a series of policies from the Biden administration, reigniting America’s unwavering support for Israel and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to reversing years of what he called “misguided appeasement.”

Dismantling Biden-Era Policies

President Trump’s immediate actions included the reversal of sanctions targeting Israeli citizens residing in Judea and Samaria, a contentious policy that had defined President Biden’s Middle East strategy. The rescinded sanctions, viewed by critics as a punitive measure against Jewish communities in the region, had prohibited U.S. businesses from engaging with key Israeli organizations and individuals. Among those targeted were prominent leaders such as Reut Ben Haim and Shlomo Sarid, staunch advocates of the Tzav 9 movement, which opposes humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst security threats.

Trump’s executive order overturning these sanctions was lauded as a “game-changer” by Israeli officials and pro-Israel advocates worldwide. “This is not just policy; this is justice,” declared Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a vocal critic of Biden’s measures. “President Trump has sent a powerful message: the era of undermining Israeli sovereignty is over.”

Crippling the International Criminal Court

In another decisive move, Trump reinstated economic sanctions and travel restrictions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), reversing a Biden-era policy that had eased tensions with the controversial tribunal. These sanctions had initially been imposed during Trump’s first term in response to the ICC’s investigations into alleged war crimes by American and Israeli officials—a jurisdiction both nations vehemently reject.

The ICC’s recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had drawn international ire, particularly from Western allies. Trump’s reinstatement of sanctions against the court underscored his administration’s resolve to protect its allies from what he described as “rogue tribunals with no legitimate authority.” Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who played a pivotal role in lobbying for the sanctions, hailed the move as “an unflinching stand against judicial overreach and anti-Israel bias.”

Defunding UNRWA: A Bold Statement

One of Trump’s most audacious decisions was to withdraw U.S. funding from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), an organization long accused of harboring ties to Hamas and enabling anti-Israel propaganda. The decision was met with applause from Israeli leaders and U.S. lawmakers who have criticized UNRWA for its controversial role in Gaza. Recent admissions by the United Nations that some of its staff were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel further cemented Trump’s resolve to sever financial ties.

“The American taxpayer will no longer subsidize entities that jeopardize our ally’s security or work against our interests,” a senior White House official declared. Trump’s executive order halting all new foreign aid unless aligned with U.S. strategic goals is expected to reshape how the U.S. engages with international organizations.

Celebration Among Israeli Leaders

The atmosphere during Trump’s inauguration celebrations was electric, particularly among Israeli officials and pro-Israel advocates who gathered in Washington, D.C. Yossi Dagan, Head of the Samaria Regional Council, called Trump’s actions “a diplomatic earthquake” and a “new dawn for Judea and Samaria.” Standing before a crowd of energized supporters, Dagan urged Israel to capitalize on the renewed U.S. partnership to expand and strengthen Jewish communities in the region.

Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed these sentiments, praising Trump’s bold leadership and commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance. “This is a moment of unparalleled opportunity,” Netanyahu declared. “Together, we will continue to build a future founded on shared values, mutual respect, and unshakable solidarity.”

A Transformative Vision for the Future

Trump’s swift actions signal a paradigm shift in U.S. foreign policy, placing Israel once again at the forefront of America’s Middle East strategy. The revocation of Biden-era policies and the introduction of sweeping new measures highlight Trump’s intent to solidify his legacy as a champion of Israel and a disruptor of traditional diplomacy.

For Israeli leaders, the reset represents more than a return to normalcy; it’s an opportunity to advance bold initiatives in Judea and Samaria and counter the relentless delegitimization campaigns they face on the global stage. For Trump, it’s a resounding statement that the United States will stand unequivocally with its allies, reshaping the geopolitical landscape for years to come.

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