Since Donald Trump took office as the 45th president of the United States in January 2017, the US-Israel relationship has strengthened. Reports of continuing peace talks, cutting funds to the nations opposing Israel, and increasing support to Israel in the future is lighting up newsrooms everywhere.
Take a quick peek at a few of the ways the United States has made bold moves to support Israel—a militarily advanced nation that is a powerhouse in the Middle East…
- The U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
- The U.S. moves their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
- The U.S. cuts more than $200 million dollars in aid to Israel’s opposing forces
- The U.S. pre-launches an economic plan that acknowledges the US-Israeli relationship as essential
Trump Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
When: December 6, 2017
What Happened: President Trump made an official announcement of Jerusalem being Israel’s capital. This announcement also introduced the plan to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The Result: Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, welcomed the announcement and the relationship between the U.S. and Israel was strengthened.
While some nations opposed the move, others supported it. Countries such as Paraguay, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Honduras considered relocation after the U.S. ordered its plans.
The United States Moves Embassy to Jerusalem
When: May 14, 2018
What Happened: The move had been discussed months prior to the relocation. On February 23, 2018, the U.S. announced the planned move and open date would be in May 2018. The official open date was May 14, 2018.
This took place only days after Israel’s Independence Day, which is May 9th. The former Consulate General of the United States became the new site for the U.S. Embassy. It is located in West Jerusalem.
The Result: Other nations became more serious about their embassy moves. Only 2 days later, on May 16, 2018, Guatemala moved their embassy to Jerusalem.
And 32 nations joined the U.S. in celebration in May.
- Albania, Angola, Austria, Cameroon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Kenya, Macedonia, Burma, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Serbia, South Sudan, Thailand, Ukraine, Vietnam, Paraguay, Tanzania, and Zambia
Just recently, the Czech president, prime minister, and parliament speaker, as well as other leaders, made a joint statement that they would be opening the Czech House in Jerusalem when they visit in November 2018.
- “Czech House [would be] the first step in the plan to move the Czech embassy to Jerusalem.” [i]
Read more about the embassy’s move [here]!
United States Cuts More than $200 Million Dollars in Aid to Palestinians
When: August 24, 2018
What Happened: According to the State Department, the cut came after President Trump ordered a review of funds. He wanted to “ensure the funds were spent in accordance with U.S. national interests.”
According to reports, “The funds withheld Friday [August 24th] are directed toward health and educational programs, as well as initiatives to make Palestinian governance more efficient. They are used both in the Palestinian Authorities (PA)-administered West Bank and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
“The Trump administration said the terror group’s control of Gaza was one of the main reasons it wanted to cease its aid to the coastal enclave.” [ii]
The Result: The alliance and support between the U.S. and Israel continued.
United States in ‘Pre-Launch’ Phase of Peace Plan
When: September 15, 2018
What Happened: The Middle East peace team is in the works of completing the economic portion of the peace plan, 19 months in the making. At the same time, pressure is being put on the Palestinian Authorities by continuing aid cuts. This is all in hopes that there can be peace talks before the launch of the plan.
The Result: Jared Kushner, President Trump’s senior advisor, made this statement about what he hopes will be the ultimate outcome of the peace plan…
“There were too many false realities that were created – that people worship – that I think needed to be changed. All we’re doing is dealing with things as we see them and not being scared out of doing the right thing. I think, as a result, you have a much higher chance of actually achieving a real peace.” [iii]
My Olive Tree Supports Israel During These Unstable Times
In a recent trip to Israel, My Olive Tree was in celebration as Israeli officials recognized their efforts to support peace for their borders and for their citizens—in a place called Ma’aleh Adumim.
The settlement of 40,000 is positioned along the West Bank. Even with the high number of residents, Ma’aleh Adumim is still considered a settlement. Founded in 1975, landscaped with Jerusalem stone, this community is an Israeli city that will continue to grow and stretch along the border.
This city is a symbol of courage and strength for Israel. They have zero intentions of letting this settlement go in a peace agreement. Most Israeli citizens view the city as an extension of the capital itself—only a 3-mile road separates the two.
My Olive Tree continues to plant for peace in Israel—from the kibbutz in the north, to the Negev Desert in the south, and along the historical Kidron Valley that rests right outside of Jerusalem.
We not only plant for peace, we stand for it in solidarity with Israel. We know that Israel is a mighty nation, and when we all stand together, we make her voice heard even louder.
We can give you a way to make a physical mark in Israel. A mark that lasts for generations. To find out more about our initiatives, check out some of our projects HERE.
When: NOW!
What Happens: You can also download one of our FREE resources that takes you on a journey with Israel… go HERE to get yours.
The Result: You will be able to leave a lasting legacy in Israeli soil.
[i] https://www.timesofisrael.com/czech-leaders-endorse-israeli-embassy-move-to-jerusalem/
[ii] https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-cuts-aid-to-palestinians-by-more-than-200-million/
[iii] https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Trump-peace-plan-in-pre-launch-phase-completing-economic-package-567261