Mixed reactions in the Middle East after Donald Trump's election victory
News & Politics
Introduction
Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th president of the United States, successfully securing the 270 Electoral College votes by winning key swing states such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. His rival, Kamala Harris, has yet to concede her bid to become the first woman president of the United States. She secured the Democratic nomination in July after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race amid pressure from within the party. Additionally, Republicans have regained a majority in the US Senate, while control of the House of Representatives remains uncertain.
The impact of the US elections is being felt globally, highlighted by a significant increase in the value of the US dollar, set for its most substantial one-day rise in nearly five years. In the Middle East, reactions to Trump's victory are varied. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on what he described as a historic return to the White House, reaffirming a strong US-Israel alliance. Conversely, the Iranian government dismissed the significance of the US presidential outcome, asserting that US-Iran policies would remain unchanged regardless of leadership.
Qatar’s Amir expressed a desire to strengthen strategic partnerships, congratulating Trump and expressing his hopes for promoting regional stability alongside the incoming administration.
On the ground, reports from Gaza emphasize escalating violence, particularly in northern regions, where Israeli forces are continuing intensive military operations amidst a severe humanitarian crisis. Local sources report heavy casualties due to ongoing air strikes and ground invasions, leaving civilians without access to essential resources like food and water.
In Lebanon, the caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati congratulated Trump but emphasized the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This statement reflects deeper skepticism amid ongoing conflict and a resurgence of tension that many in Lebanon feel will be exacerbated by Trump's presidency.
The newly appointed Hezbollah leader, Naim Qassem, reaffirmed the group's readiness to confront Israeli aggression, emphasizing the importance of military preparedness in the current conflict context.
In Iran, officials have been reportedly monitoring the elections closely but maintain that the leadership change in the US will not alter Iran's fixed foreign policy stance. Nevertheless, there is cautious optimism among some Iranian officials about potential changes in US policy, contrasting with the aggressive stance taken during Trump’s first term.
Daniel Levy, president of the US Middle East Project, provided insight into the regional implications of Trump’s victory, suggesting that expectations should be tempered regarding America's role in resolving Middle Eastern conflicts, particularly in light of Trump's known inclination towards supporting Israeli positions.
Keywords
Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, US elections, Israel, Iran, Middle East, Netanyahu, humanitarian crisis, Biden, Hezbollah, regional stability, foreign policy.
FAQ
Q: Who has been elected as the 47th president of the United States?
A: Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th president.
Q: What key states did Trump win to secure his victory?
A: Trump won swing states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Q: How did Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu react to Trump's election?
A: Netanyahu congratulated Trump, describing his victory as historic and reaffirming US-Israel alliance.
Q: What is Iran's official stance on the impact of the US election?
A: Iranian officials claim that US policies towards Iran will remain unchanged regardless of the US leadership.
Q: How is the situation in Gaza described after the election?
A: The situation in northern Gaza is reported to be escalating, with continued Israeli military operations and a humanitarian crisis.
Q: What did the caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister express regarding US elections?
A: Najib Mikati congratulated Trump but emphasized the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.