Washington: "America First"—On Paper
Trump entered the White House bearing the slogan "America First." Yet, the American voter soon discovered that "first" did not necessarily mean they were the primary beneficiaries. Foreign wars took precedence over domestic crises, and promises of prosperity gave way to rhetoric about military victories—all while prices proved far more resilient than the White House’s pledges.
The tragedy in Gaza was not the sole reason for the Republicans' decline, nor can the prospect of war with Iran be held exclusively responsible for the election results. However, the cost of managing the U.S.-Israel relationship—particularly within the context of a potential conflict with Iran—has come under scrutiny by a segment of the American electorate preoccupied with the rising cost of living and internal crises.
Citizens who had hoped for a lower cost of living found themselves facing an administration that instead lectured them on the importance of distant wars—as if they were expected to fund the missiles out of their own pockets, and then thank Washington for the "privilege" of helping to launch them.
Talk has now turned to holding officials accountable and re-examining past decisions. While it is easy to replace cabinet members or advisors in the White House, altering the policies that created the crisis is a far more complex task. Perhaps the simplest "solution" would be to just fire the price index itself, should it refuse to go down.
Gaza: Peace, with a Funeral Service
In Gaza, the "peace industry" has blossomed into a thriving diplomatic enterprise—complete with councils, committees, conferences, and security maps. Yet, with every new initiative announced, there is simply an ever-growing number of officials ready to explain to the Palestinians why reconstruction has yet to begin.
Hamas entered the prisoner-exchange deal betting on an end to the war and the preservation of its own political standing—ensuring it remains a key player in the equation. Yet, this did not guarantee the protection of civilians or the restoration of life in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli hostages returned to their homes, while Palestinians remained in their tents, exposed to the rain and cold. Hamas retained its political standing, while the displaced Palestinian was left with nothing but the right to await the weather forecast.
Then came the "Peace Council," bearing promises of billions—with a billion dollars earmarked for permanent membership—as if peace had become an exclusive international club for the wealthy. Meanwhile, the very people whose future the Council was ostensibly formed to discuss cannot even afford a window to shield their children from the wind.
Perhaps the Council will soon announce its first "developmental" achievement in Gaza: a model cemetery, built to international standards, complete with a conference hall and a screen displaying images of the cities that were supposed to be rebuilt.
The Democrats: An Opposition Without Absolution
The Democrats lost the White House in 2024, amid widespread anger over the Biden administration’s policy toward Gaza. By the November 2026 elections, they benefited from growing discontent regarding the war with Iran and mounting economic pressures.
Yet, electoral success does not signify a radical shift in U.S. policy toward Israel; the strategic alliance runs deeper than partisan rivalry. Internal disagreements within both parties have failed to coalesce into a policy that would mandate an end to the occupation.
In Washington, the color of the majority may shift, and the diplomatic rhetoric may evolve, but the Palestinians are simply handed a new version of the same old statement: "deep concern," a call for "restraint," and the scheduling of yet another meeting to discuss that very same concern.
Hormuz: When Markets Punish the Generals
The war with Iran has demonstrated that military superiority offers no guarantee of economic stability. Disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz threaten energy supplies and trade, while rising prices place a burden on American households. The Gulf region faces the risk of an escalation it did not choose.
Meanwhile, Europe finds itself caught between the Russia-Ukraine war, the mounting costs of defense, and concerns over energy supplies.
Trump sought to reshape the Middle East through force, only to discover that while missiles can alter the course of ships, they cannot compel markets to lower prices.
Israel: Changing Ministers, Not Maps
The Israeli elections failed to grant Netanyahu a decisive majority, nor did they provide Eisenkot with a clear path to power.
A new government may emerge from the horse-trading between political parties, but the formation of a coalition does not necessarily imply a shift in settlement policy or an end to the occupation.
Israeli politicians are busy negotiating the distribution of ministerial portfolios, while the Palestinians await negotiations on something far more modest: their right to remain on their own land.
Palestine: A Homeland Awaiting an Inter-factional Agreement
The Palestinian Authority is grappling with a crisis of legitimacy and effectiveness, while Hamas strives to maintain its presence. Internal divisions weaken the national position vis-à-vis Israel.
Palestinian factions vie for the right to represent the people, even as the space available for a future Palestinian state continues to shrink.
Most bitterly, while all sides demand that the world recognize their national rights, they remain unable to agree on a unified project to protect them.
It appears that Palestinians must achieve internal reconciliation before they can effectively call upon the world to end the occupation. Perhaps another "peace council" is needed—this time, however, to rebuild relations between the factions.
The Palestinian State. A Postponed Death Certificate
Washington may face political strife leading up to the 2028 elections. The Israeli government might change. Trump’s term could conclude in January 2029.
Yet, the expansion of settlements does not wait for election results. The realities on the ground shift faster than the time it takes for conferences to produce their recommendations.
Presidents may come and go; alliances may shift. But the will of a people cannot be sold off in political auctions, nor can their rights be nullified by the mere signing of a deal.
Will the "Peace Council" end up being the sole international institution to successfully orchestrate the funeral of a Palestinian state—before it is even born? Will its members lay wreaths upon its grave, issuing a historic statement to congratulate the world on a "successful" burial—while the Palestinian remains standing amidst the rubble, asking them: "When will the peace arrive—the peace for which I have already paid with my life and my land?"