Trump Begins Forming His Cabinet with Key Appointments

In the wake of his election victory, President-elect Donald Trump is moving quickly to shape his new administration by appointing key figures. The Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik from New York has been selected as U.N. ambassador, despite her limited experience in diplomatic and foreign affairs. Critics highlight her history of accusing the United Nations of harboring anti-Semitism, along with her suggestion to cut funding to the agency responsible for Palestinian refugees.

Alongside her, Stephen Miller, known for his hardline immigration stance, is expected to assume the role of deputy chief of staff with extensive responsibilities. Additionally, Thomas Homan, a prominent figure in immigration from the previous Trump administration, has been designated as “border czar.” Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign manager, has been appointed as chief of staff, signaling a preference for experienced political players in key government roles.

There is keen interest in how these appointments will affect U.S. foreign policy, especially in connection with Israel. Israeli officials from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration have expressed optimism about Trump’s presidency, anticipating enhanced political support for Israeli actions regarding settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, among other policies.

However, analysts caution that Trump's policy direction may not always align perfectly with Israeli interests. For instance, he has previously indicated a reluctance to support regime change in Iran, contrasting with the aspirations of certain Israeli leadership. Patrick Kingsley, the Jerusalem bureau chief, notes that while aspirations are high among Israeli leaders, Trump's unpredictable nature could present challenges ahead, suggesting that the interplay between U.S. and Israeli interests will require careful navigation.