Trump’s Approach on Israel-Palestine compared to Russia-Ukraine
By: Kate Ferenchick
“We have a really good chance of making a deal, and it'll be a lasting deal." “Sometimes you’re better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart.” - President Donald J. Trump on the two conflicts
The stark contrast in Trump’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict compared to the Russia-Ukraine war can be seen with these two quotes. In the past few weeks, Trump has moved fast trying to secure a peace deal between Israel and Palestine. He is hoping that the plan he laid out would be accepted by Hamas and Netanyahu, ending the famine, bloodshed, and destruction caused in the last two years. Trump in the months before has been giving varying solutions on what may be done. Recently, he has developed and outlined a concrete plan of what he hopes both sides will agree to. However, the same cannot be said about the war caused by Russia in Ukraine. Donald Trump has consistently changed his position on this war, going from wanting peace to feeling they must fight more, allowing for thousands to be killed everyday in this battle. Both conflicts have caused mass devastation to the nations ravished by them, and this article will examine why Trump has taken such different approaches to solving each.
The Israel-Palestine conflict
This conflict has been going on for over a hundred years, as both sides battle for nationalism. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim the land and their own, causing many wars including Arab neighbors, such as the Six Day War. On October 7th 2023, when Hamas attacked an Israeli festival, the conflict escalated into what it is today. This war has been at the center of the global stage, as millions around the world protest for an end to the destruction it has caused, and the devastating effects on Palestinian areas, notably Gaza. In Trump's first term, he took a strong pro-Israel stance, controversially moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem. He developed the Abraham Accords to normalize relations between the Arab Nations and Israel, aligning himself with the Israeli government over the Palestinian people. During his second term, Trump has slowly moved away from being starkly pro-Israel–even creating an artificial intelligence video posted to his social media about making Gaza a United States Resort–to trying to create a peace deal between the two nationalities. In early October, he outlined a peace deal in which Hamas and Netanyahu both accepted. Although both sides argued that there must be changes before fully accepting the deal, this is the farthest a world leader has come to creating peace between the two nationalities, and shows Trump's shift in foreign policy to solving the issue. This deal has held on for now, as many around the world view it as a possible solution to the crisis that October 7th has caused.
Russia and Ukraine: Shifting Positions and Lack of Direction
In contrast, Trump has taken a more erratic approach on the Russia-Ukraine war. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022–after previously tasking Crimea in 2014–Trump's statements and proposed actions have shifted repeatedly. At times, Trump claims that he could end the war in “24 hours” and for an immediate peace agreement. At other moments, he implied Ukraine must continue fighting Russia, possibly contributing to a prolonged conflict. Trump's fascination with Putin and his argument with Zelensky when he visited the White House may play into this struggle for a coherent deal. Trump's reluctance to outline a clear plan to the end of this war raises questions about his motivation and nature of his foreign policy, as well as allows the war to continue with millions now dead. This has been the biggest war in Europe since World War II, and it is evident that Trump does not have a clear plan to end this conflict, despite his allies pleading for more aid to Ukraine and tougher stances on Russia. While Trump has supplied missiles to Ukraine, this has been limited and strong Ukraine supporters such as Germany, has urged that stronger steps are taken.
Explaining the Difference
The difference in Trump's approach to these two conflicts is influenced by personal, strategic, and political factors. While Trump and Netanyahu have a good relationship, Trump has an interest in Vladimir Putin, seen in both of his terms with his relaxed approach to this dictator's role. He has frequently met with Putin to discuss the war, often coming out as more critical of Ukraine. Additionally, Trump's falling out with Zelensky in Spring of 2025, in which he accused the leader of being disrespectful, may play into his quiet support of Putin over ending the tragedy in Ukraine. His personal ties to Putin may triumph over his relation with Netanyahu, allowing him to outline a strict peace deal in Israel compared to none in Ukraine.
Trump also used the Middle East as a strategic place for a diplomatic solution. The Middle East is a region where Trump has already achieved visible results, such as his success with the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with certain Arab nations and Israel. A peace deal between Israel and Palestine could bolster his reputation as a “deal maker” in the Middle East, and play into his already previous pride in the area. The Abraham Accords fed into Trump’s belief that he can solve global conflicts, and he wants to continue this in the Middle East region.
The Russia-Ukraine war presents fewer opportunities for Trump to claim credit, and he may feel less connected to the region. Unlike the Middle East, Trump has had little focus on East Europe and resolving issues there. There are many different actors playing into the Russia-Ukraine war, and Trump's inconsistent messaging shows the complexity of the conflict as well as his desire to appeal to Russia-U.S. relations. Trump feels as if there's less to win if he “solves” the conflict in the region, and is less interested in doing so due to it.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Trump’s contrasting responses reveal how his foreign policy is driven less by consistent ideology than by political wins and personal triumphs. His intense interest in solving the Israel-Palestine conflict contrasts sharply with his indecision on the Russia-Ukraine war, showing how he favors his own success over peace with many foreign policies. Both conflicts have had, and continue to have, devastating tragedies that must be solved quickly. However, due to the power Donald Trump wields as United States president, his foreign policy approach to each conflict reflects far beyond borders, shaping humanitarian outcomes, alliances, and global stability.
