An astute observer would have noticed clear signs during the 2024 campaign. Trump repeatedly promised to end all wars and foreign entanglements. He demanded that the war in Gaza come to an end before his inauguration. His Vice Presidential pick, JD Vance, was aligned with the isolationist wing of the GOP and publicly disagreed with Kamala Harris when she referred to Iran as the greatest threat to the United States. Prominent figures like Mike Pence and John Bolton, who traditionally supported Israel, were no longer well represented. Instead, individuals like Tucker Carlson were given prominent roles at the RNC and MSG rally. This context leads us to the troubling situation we find ourselves in today at the onset of the second Trump administration.
Steve Witkoff has been appointed as Trump’s new point man for Israel and the Middle East. It is widely known that Witkoff exerted significant pressure on Netanyahu to reach a hostage deal that many believed was profoundly misguided. According to various media sources, Witkoff read Netanyahu the riot act, demanding painful concessions. The Times of Israel reported that Witkoff warned Netanyahu about the dire consequences of not reaching an agreement. He emphasized that the threat of “Hell to pay” directed at Hamas also applied to Israel. Caroline Glick from the Jerusalem Post criticized Witkoff for creating a moral equivalency between Israel and Hamas. To make matters even worse, Witkoff recently stated in an interview with FOX News that it would be beneficial for the United States to engage in direct dialogue with Hamas. Conservative radio host Mark Levin condemned Witkoff on X, noting that even Secretary of State Antony Blinken never suggested working with Hamas.
Trump’s recent appointment of Michael DiMino as the top Middle East official at the Department of Defense has raised concerns among the pro-Israel community. DiMino has opposed providing Israel with any weapons, including defensive ones, to use against Hizbullah. Additionally, he has downplayed Iran’s attacks on Israel, which has further alarmed supporters of Israel. The fact that traditional hawkish members of the GOP have little influence in the new administration adds to the unease regarding the future of U.S.-Israel relations.
Dan Cadwell, an isolationist and strong ally of Pete Hegseth, also has a record of pacifism towards Iran and has had an outsized role in selecting Defense Department personnel for the Trump administration. He has tapped Elbridge Colby as under-secretary of defense for policy. Colby is on record opposing any military action against Iran. He has downplayed the threat of a nuclear Iran and has claimed that the containment of a nuclear-armed Iran is a viable option. Both Cadwell and Colby criticized Israel’s campaign against Hizbullah.
Even Trump has partially retracted his first administration’s tough-on-Iran stance and now argues that reaching a new deal with Iran would be preferable. If the Hamas deal is any indicator, such a deal would force Israel into making concessions it can ill afford. Trump also mocked the plight of Israeli hostages when he called them to the stage during his inauguration event only to use them as props while carrying on about the so-called January 6th hostages.
While Trump has taken some positive action for Israel, it has been primarily symbolic and without much practical effect. He removed Biden’s EO that stopped ICC sanctions, but Trump did not put any sanctions on the ICC. He designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, but Biden had already defined them as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and had conducted multiple attacks on Houthi positions.
The most concerning issue is that today’s GOP has shown an unwillingness to challenge Trump, even when it comes to matters of deep conviction. Lifelong advocates of free trade have become supporters of tariffs. Those who previously backed the Iraq wars now promote isolationism. Hardliners on Russia are now calling for an end to support for Ukraine. Supporters of law enforcement largely remained silent when Trump pardoned individuals convicted of assaulting police officers. Support for Israel could quickly diminish if Trump and the new isolationists begin imposing demands on the country. We need rachmei shomayim.
Signed,
Anonymous
The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.
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26 Responses
You are (almost) correct on every point. It’s amazing how we who claim to be so smart, knowledgeable & wise are so easily fooled as long as people say nice things about us & stroke our egos.
But Trump loves Jews (after all he has Jewish grandchildren). Trump doesn’t love us & never did. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t like us it just means we are just like every other group. If we serve his needs he’s wonderful & helpful. But if not he could care less. We’ve seen it in his comments. He loves seeing Yarmulkes working in his accounting office. You people know about making deals.
We are just another minority group seen not as individuals but as a stereotype.
If he decides isolationism as they way to go we’ll quickly see how little of a friend he is to Israel. We’ll see how much pressure he will bring to bear on Israel to accept bad deals.
Based on how we’ve talked about & revered him for so long many are shocked by the continuous appointments of people who don’t share our outlook about the Middle East.
It’s not surprising at all that once again Chazal was right.
Pirkei Avot, Chapter 2, Mishna 3, the teaching is to “be careful with the government,” essentially advising against putting too much trust in those in power as they may only be friendly for their own personal gain and not out of genuine concern for others.
iran will be attacked iy”h soon after a treaty with s. arabia
The real reason to worry about Trump is the “America First” aspect. If the United States withdraws from its historic pre-democracy policy, it will no longer be involved in the Middle East (or Europe, or East Asia). Our military will go back to being designed for coastal defense, not project power globally. Already Trump is talking about eliminating the income tax, which will strip the US of the ability to finance a strong military. And for the most part the vacuum created by the United States isolating itself will be filled with people who don’t like us very much.
We have been saved three times in the last century by the Americans (from the Nazis, the Communists, and the fanatical “Jihadi” movement). Trump may be well meaning, but if the US reverts to its isolationist policies that prevailed prior to the mid-20th century, the most we’ll get from the US is sympathy.
To mailbag Trump is not the president of the United States. Trump is the CEO of the United States. Big, big difference A politician worries about what others might say about him, what the newspapers will write. A politician tries to be diplomatic. A CEO cares about one thing, the bottom line. If Trump was a frum jew running a company his company bottom line would come before anything. We saw this yesterday in his press conference with the mayor of LA. We see it in the way he talks to reporters. We saw it today with Colombia. To Trump the company called America is first, and he’ll do anything in his power to make sure his company is in first place, It’s not like he is for or against Israel. He cares if it’s good for America
You are right! Trump was hailed as Moshiach by so many Jews. He is a very temperamental man at best. He’s very much a My-way-or-the-hiway type man. There is good reason his own daughter and son in-law distanced themselves – and it’s not only because of their children. The man is scary. He was a far better choice than the alternative but, hey! We need the Ribono Shel Olam more now than ever.
Keep on crying democrat (who’s too scared to write a letter to the editor and wish to remain anonymous)
He also had Syd Rosenberg, a prominent Jew that loves Israel speak at MSG so what’s you point?
Really the guy hasn’t been president for more than a week and you guys have to bend over backwards to say that he’s evil
And really what do you gain if you were right? That we’ll klap Al Chet?
Like seriously you democrats need to grow up
If Trump attack Iran, nothing will come from it but more enemy from Russia and Turkey and maybe some Iran missiles and more then that the government after the regime might do much worse then make the nuclear weapon in there sufficticated democracy, and the Saudi recognizing Israel could make Syria decide to do that for half the kenneret back which will mean Israel expiration automatically, but Trump wants to import the Palestinian to Egypt and pay the big price there, this will cause a new Hezbollah in Egypt and Jordan that probably will do much worse,
To ywn, there is no danger to Israel only danger to Jews and that is the same thing today as they are the protectors, if we left Israel for American safety there is no more shomrim 24/7 to bring all the kosher safety and also the hatzallah and chaverim, no more Jewish police and ethnicity and the freedom of the exile that we had all this time, this privileges, but there still is belief in God and humanity and that after all the zionism that created the Holocaust and used it goes out we some God believing Jews will somehow come back to visit all the holy graves and places that remained under Palestine conquest, you can fight with all your might, just not with God’s calendar, I don’t think that country that shmad the blood of some many yiden will go down good in history or as a protector, and many gedolim won’t say this because they don’t see good from it but the talmidim know that state Israel spells doom
Why does America need Israel?
Why does Israel need America?
Who cares?
Time for honesty from YWN. Who do you pay to write these mailbag letters? It’s obvious you’re paying somebody. So who is it? Let us all find out once and for all that really these letters are a bunch of garbage written by people who are paid to write them, as opposed to people who really know what they’re talking about.
Haha….
It’s your pie, swallow it!!
I’m mamish so close to cutting off all content from YWN.
I’m mamish getting sick over all this Trump hatred spewing out of YWN.
I mamish can’t believe all this Trump bashing when Trump just released all the arms Biden held back and said “we need relocate all the people of Gaza and start over”.
It mamish boggles the mind how dumb, stupid and idiotic some in our community can be.
Of course, Trump is a self-centered individual with the biggest ego ever but this is the best we’ve had in a long time and it’s time we appreciate him and thank Hashem for him!
The astute observer will have never gotten swept up by Trumpism and his sensationalism.
The heart of Kings has always been and always will be in the hands of Hashem and He will decide who does what.
Hashem could’ve just as well used Kamala to be good for the Jews…
Lost spark,
For very good reasons.
Why does Israel need America?
1. We saw the threat of stopping weapons delivers would weaken Israel.
2. America protects Israel in the world arena, especially the UN & International courts.
3. All lot of American tech money goes to Israel providing money & jobs.
Lost spark,
For very good reasons.
Why does Israel need America?
1. We saw the threat of stopping weapons delivers would weaken Israel.
2. America protects Israel in the world arena, especially the UN & International courts.
3. All lot of American tech money goes to Israel providing money & jobs.
Why does America needs Israel?
Minor reasons:
1. The trade between the two countries is a net gain for America.
2. Israel provides a lot of intelligence to America (much America couldn’t get itself).
3. America wants certain enemies dead but can’t engage in “Targeted killings” so they will ask Israel to do it for them or at least pull the trigger so America can plausibly deny responsibility.
Major reasons:
1. Israel came about during the Cold War. Israel aligned with the free world while the Arabs aligned with the Soviet communists. If Israel fails the Free world takes a massive hit.
2. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. If Israel fails the non-democracies will feel emboldened to dig in & avoid democracy & try to change America & the West as well.
3. If Israel falls to a terror group or warlords it’ll show the world it is possible to beat a powerful democracy. This will embolden the terror groups to expand their reach to the West (it’s already happening in Europe) & America.
Basically America went all in when we decided to recognize & support Israel. A failed Israel reflects very poorly on America & what we stand for.
If Israel falls do you think the Anti-Israel protestors & agitators will stop there? Or will they see it as huge win for their Anti-West movement?
This is not about Jews or Gentiles, religion, race or color. It’s an ideological war between those who believe in moving forward, progressing & improving the lives of people & those that think progress is only a way for rich people to exploit poor people. The West to take advantage of the rest of the world. Between those that see America as a great country with flaws vs those who see America as the devil incarnate. I hope we’re smart enough to choose the right side in this war.
We need rachmei shamayim no matter who is in the White House. The letter writer is correct that there is no guarantee Trump will be good for the Jewish people, and if it turns out that he is, we have to thank the One Above.
I notice that those of you who chose to attack the author of this letter did not disagree with one point that he made.
Jews learn in yeshiva to attack the other person’s ideas without attacking the other person. Then we leave yeshiva and begin attacking each other without even trying to communicate with each other’s ideas. ?
I am surprised that all the people that support and adore Trump, haven’t bitten your head off. The adulation for him is nonsensical.
I too voted for him which was a no brainer considering the alternative, but I did it with 2 eyes open.
The man is first and foremost, an extreme narcissist. It is such an overwhelming character trait in that all else takes a back seat. If you say something nice about him, then all else falls to the side. Likewise, if you dare criticize him, then regardless of your political stance on issues you are ridiculed and put on the bad list.
At this time Israel is on his good list. However, Israel is deathly afraid to push back on any issue, lest Trump turns on them. He can go from being your best friend to your worst nightmare on a whim of his self narcissism. Fellow Republicans don’t dare cross him if they agree with him or not.
Enjoy the ride while the going is good. Fortunately, Lev Melachim Byad Hashem. Even the great Trump.
What a load of rubbish.
The hostage deal should have been done the morning after Oct.7 the moment after the last hostage is back you start a new war. So far Trump simply set Israel back on the track of common sense.
Netanyahu and only Netanyahu is to blame for all capitulation. He is the biggest leftist in the world, far more dangerous than Lapid who at least admits he is leftist while Netanyahu poses as right.
Netanyahu (and his million or so believers, a real cult!) cultivated and funded Hamas for years, Netanyahu refuses to settle Gaza today, which is the only real solution. He sacrificed and sacrifices hundreds of soldiers’ lives for his futile effort to maintain his image as a humanitarian.
The day after Oct. 7 Israel could have done anything they wanted in Gaza and no one would have objected. It is Netanyahu and his policy of procrastination and dragging out to buy time at all costs that let all the legitimacy go down the toilet. Netanyahu killed hundreds of soldiers without causing Hamas to lose one inch of land, at the end of the day he will simply surrender and the world with Netanyahu in the lead will line up to finance the rebuilding of Gaza.
The other sensible option could have and should have been a comprehensive hostage deal emptying Israel’s prisons of Hamas prisoners followed by a brutal and merciless declaration of a new war on Hamas by Israel. Shimon and Levi with Shechem style…
Netanyahu refuses to do anything sensible, the only thing he knows how to do is buy time no matter what the cost is in lives or anything else.
At the end of the day the real hostages are Netanyahu’s million followers who are so attached to his tone of voice they follow him to their death.
It is the Israeli Right that refuses to provide an alternative to Netanyahu from the Right who is to blame and no one else.
Let’s put it this way : He speaks highly in favor of Israel but his actions are highly against Israel. הקול קול יעקב והידים ידי עשו
לב מלכים ושרים ביד ה.
We followed דעת תורה when we voted and will continue to daven and hope for the best.
Enough of the hypothetical. In reality he has been a positive force for Israel. We don’t rely on him, we simply assume based on past performance that he will be good for us.
i have gained great respect for ywn, seeing how they let people post the most retarded accusations against them
I am shocked to hear this- how could trump pick so many bad people?
All the frum people always only told me that Trump was the best and anyone who didnt trust him was deranged!
I am so confused…
It’s mind-boggling that so many people cannot see basic reality: The Zionist “State” is fighting Hashem, His Torah and His people as never before. The evil Zionists have harmed, and continue to harm, the Jews there.
Just to take one small example – leaving aside the damage the Zionists have done and are doing to chareidim – the Zionists educate their schoolchildren to not know the very basics of Judaism, like Shema, that any normal child in an actual country will know when they’re still babies.
No less a Torah authority than the Chazon Ish stated that one day we will wake up to see that the Zionist “State” simply no longer exists.
So, on a Torah/reality level, the Chazon Ish’s statement still stands as true as ever, if not even truer.
It’s almost amusing to see people invoke lev milachim viSarim biYad Hashem, but some seem to not be able to conceive that Hashem can run His world regardless of what entity is or is not in power in His holy land, which renders irrelevant the entire point of the mailbag letter.
On a political level, the only reason the Zionist “State” exists is to serve the interests of the gentile nations. That “State” is not, and never was, actually “independent”. That’s just a game, which only fools and idolaters believe. Therefore, rest assured that the nations will continue to keep it around, as they have done for decades now, so long as it is useful to them.
Moreover, the current administration just released lots of weaponry to the Zionists because “they paid for it” – which the prior administration had withheld from them.
Please, serve only G-d, and not any idols (including the Zionist idol).
Coffee addict. I’m no Democrat; I’m one who stood in line for hours to bet at 2 Trump rallies.
Sid Rosenberg does love Trump but he is actually very vigorous in his opposition re Witkoff strong arming Bibi into this deal. He’s called it extortion. Just as the astute Mark Levin and brilliant legal mind Alan Dershowitz have raised their ire. All these 3 strident and vocal Israel supporters are loud and vigorous in their opposition to Witkoff’s bullying Bibi into this deal and Witkoff is only getting started. He’s suggested direct talks with Hamas. Huh?
What’s more shocking is that the newly confirmed Secretary of State Rubio is being sidelined in all of this. Why? Even during the contemptible Biden administration, all the Middle East US government staff answered to Blinken. Is Rubio merely a stateless Secretary to be a Trump window trim? How anonymous the letter writer may be, Trump’s current term policy inserting Real Estate wheeler dealer Witkoff to just make a deal for the art of the deal without understanding the intricacies of the Middle East and all the mentioned anti-Israel staff being appointed warrants a serious alarm bell awakening. We are totally in the ONE ABOVE’s hands; may HE have mercy and keep HIS watch on us all.
I have already said in the past, the zionists are frum people, love erets hakodesh, and want to.protect yidden. Then u have bagats and left wingers who want to distance the yidden as far from torah as possible,,and wont teach tanach so tht the kids won’t know erets yisroel belongs to us. . U can’t call these people zionists. Stop calling not frum people zionists.