Global Geopolitical Series: Netanyahu’s return to power to turn Trump hawkish on Israel-Palestine peace process

President Donald Trump’s administration in the U.S. was already tightening the diplomatic screws on Palestinian peace process but with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s return to power in this week’s election is likely to encourage the administration to impose harsher measures on PA (Palestinian Authority) leaders.

PA leaders have been defying the Trump administration with their boycott of the United States as the sole mediator in the peace process since President Trump declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel against all opposition from both allies and adversaries back in 2017, as part of his campaign promise. President Trump subsequently built the embassy which opened during summer last year.

With an increased focus on the Middle East, the Trump administration has already been increasing pressure on PA leaders and the peace process. Earlier this year, President Trump announced sovereignty of Israel over Golan Heights, which was first occupied by Israel during the six-day war in 1967 and was finally annexed by Israel in 1981 by passing a law that extends Israeli laws in the region.

With two years left and having a key ally Benjamin Netanyahu returning to power in Israel, the Trump administration is likely to use the remaining years of the president’s Trump’s first term to push for an agreement with the PA leaders. If not, we suspect more rewards are on Israel’s way. Speaking to reporters, President Congratulated the Prime Minister and declared that with ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu returning to power chances have increased to secure a peace agreement with Palestinians.

Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel is set for a record fifth term as his Likud Party won 35 seats of the 120 members parliament. The Likud Party and its coalition partner set to win the year's election with 65 seats.