The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy towards the Middle East in the Trump Era

Research Article

Abstract

The Israel Lobby is the loose coalition of individuals and organizations who actively work to shape U.S. foreign policy in a pro‐Israel direction. ʺThe Lobbyʺ is not a unified movement with a central leadership or consensus on issues. However, the core of the lobby comprises American Jews who make a significant effort in their daily lives to bend US foreign policy to advance Israel’s interests. In particular, the lobby influences US domestic politics and shapes US foreign policy in the Middle East especially the Arab-Israel peace process in its favor through various mechanisms. The activities of the lobby go beyond merely voting for candidates who are pro‐Israel to include letter‐writing, financial contributions, and supporting pro‐Israel organizations. This essay, therefore, analyzes the Israel lobby’s role under the US President Donald Trump to argue that not only did the lobby influence US foreign policy towards the Middle East significantly, but it also became stronger under the Trump administration. The essay further outlines how the lobby shaped US moves in the Middle East particularly the decision to shift the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; the recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel; and Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan. The essay will conclude with a discussion of the need for the US to reorient its policy posture towards the Middle East to maintain peace and stability in the fragile region.