Eisenkot Eyes U.S. Reset as Trump Moves to Cut Billions in Israel Aid
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 13
Eisenkot Eyes U.S. Reset as Trump Moves to Cut Billions in Israel Aid
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 13
Summary
Gadi Eisenkot, newly positioned to try forming Israel’s next government, would inherit a U.S.-Israel relationship so damaged that allies say he would have little grace period in Washington to show policy change.
Billions in U.S. military aid are set to be cut by year-end after backlash over Gaza and Israel’s push for war with Iran, while a Democratic-led Congress could add sanctions on violent settlers and conditions on arms sales.
Experts say Eisenkot’s fastest repair steps are cracking down on settler violence, freezing or reversing some West Bank settlement moves, and sharply expanding Gaza aid, shelter and other civilian relief.
They also urge a broader reset: revive language supporting eventual peace, coordinate first with Arab capitals, and offer Trump deliverables such as flexibility on Gaza, Iran diplomacy, or pullbacks in Lebanon and Syria.
Any reset still faces two immediate constraints — Eisenkot may fail to build a coalition, and even if he succeeds, right-wing resistance at home could limit the concessions Washington now expects quickly.