Why Israel Mattered to Trump
Few international relationships defined Donald Trump’s presidency as strongly as his relationship with Israel. His support was public, consistent and often expressed through decisions that broke with decades of American diplomatic convention.
This article explores power, politics and influence, a theme developed in depth in My Trumpology by Dr Sam M Attia.
But why did Israel matter so much to Trump?
The answer cannot be found in foreign policy alone. It sits at the intersection of faith, money, family and political strategy. Each played a different role, yet together they reveal something deeper about Trump’s understanding of loyalty, influence and power.
During his presidency, Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the United States embassy there. He also recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and helped broker the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
These were not merely administrative decisions. They carried enormous symbolic weight and strengthened Trump’s image as a president willing to act where others had hesitated.
The Power of Faith
Religion was an important part of Trump’s political relationship with Israel.
Many evangelical Christians in the United States view Israel through a deeply biblical lens. For them, supporting Israel is not simply a matter of diplomacy. It is connected to scripture, prophecy and religious identity.
Trump understood the importance of this community. Evangelical Christians were among his most loyal supporters, and his policies towards Israel reinforced their belief that he was protecting values that mattered deeply to them.
The relationship between faith and politics therefore became difficult to separate. Supporting Israel helped Trump maintain the loyalty of a powerful religious movement while presenting himself as a defender of sacred history and traditional belief.
The Influence of Family
Israel also entered Trump’s personal world through his family.
His daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism before marrying Jared Kushner. Kushner later became a senior adviser in the Trump administration and played a significant role in shaping its approach to the Middle East.
This family connection gave Israel a presence within Trump’s closest circle. It was no longer only an international issue discussed by diplomats and advisers. It became connected to the people he trusted most.
In Trump’s world, personal trust has often influenced political judgement. Family, loyalty and authority frequently overlap. Understanding that dynamic is essential when examining how important decisions were made during his presidency.
Money, Influence and Political Loyalty
American politics is shaped by donors, lobbying organisations, business networks and powerful interest groups. Support for Israel exists within this wider system of influence.
For Trump, the issue connected him with important conservative, religious and financial circles. It helped strengthen relationships with people who possessed not only wealth, but also access, influence and the ability to mobilise voters.
However, the role of money is more complicated than a simple exchange of political support. It is connected to networks of loyalty, shared interests and long term influence. Trump understood these networks instinctively. He knew that political strength depended not only on public popularity, but also on building alliances with people who could help protect and expand his power.
Israel as Political Strategy
Perhaps the most revealing element was strategy.
Trump approached international politics in much the same way he approached business. He valued visible victories, personal loyalty, negotiation and the ability to control the story surrounding a decision.
His support for Israel allowed him to present himself as a decisive leader who rejected caution and delivered results. It appealed to his political base, strengthened valuable alliances and created historic moments that could carry his name.
Whether these decisions represented conviction, calculation or a combination of both is the more difficult question.
That question sits at the heart of Chapter 8 of My Trumpology.
In the book, Dr Sam looks beyond the familiar headlines to explore the forces that shaped Trump’s relationship with Israel. Faith, money, family and strategy are not treated as separate explanations. They are examined as interconnected parts of a much larger picture of power.
Why did Israel matter to Trump?
The answer may reveal as much about Trump himself as it does about American foreign policy.
Discover the full exploration in My Trumpology by Dr Sam M Attia
Read the book at:
https://smabooks.com/books/mytrumpology