Trump’s victory raises fears of Israel-Iran clash before he can ‘stop wars’

Analysts warn both sides are likely to ‘take even more risks’ in the dying days of the Biden administration

Reading Time:4 minutes

Iranians burn a US flag to mark the 45th anniversary of America’s expulsion from Iran on Sunday. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters

Published: 12:00pm, 8 Nov 2024Updated: 12:31pm, 8 Nov 2024

With the Middle East teetering on the brink, the re-election of Donald Trump to the US presidency has raised fears of a renewed clash between Israel and Iran in the 10-week period leading up to his inauguration – despite him promising in his victory speech to “stop wars”.

Analysts warn that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emboldened by the electoral success of his staunch ally Trump, may be tempted to act decisively against Tehran during the dying days of the Biden administration.

Shortly after the US election result became apparent, Trump and Netanyahu discussed “the Iranian threat” on a phone call alongside the need to enhance Israel’s security, according to a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office.

The US president-elect wants the wars in the region “to end as soon as possible … with a decisive victory” for Israel, Trump campaign spokeswoman Elizabeth Pipko said in an interview with Israeli broadcaster Keshet 12 on Wednesday.

Netanyahu’s recent dismissal of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, on the eve of Trump’s electoral win, only made the situation “even more precarious”, according to Mairav Zonszein, a senior Israel analyst at the New York-based Crisis Group risk consultancy.

I think it’s safe to say ... we are squarely going into the ‘escalation towards de-escalation’ paradigm

Mairav Zonszein, Israel analyst

“The chances that both sides will take even more risks” during the final weeks of outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration have increased, she said in a post on X.