The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Joel Braunold on What Donald Trump's Return Might Mean for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
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Jan 25, 2026 Joel Braunold, Managing Director at the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, offers concise analysis of how Donald Trump’s return could reshape Israeli-Palestinian policy. He examines likely advisers steering strategy. He discusses implications for Gaza, the West Bank, regional ties, and U.S. domestic moves affecting pro-Palestinian activity.
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Policy Driven By Personal Relationships
- Trump will run Middle East policy personally through trusted allies rather than traditional institutions.
- Joel Braunold argues this personalization shapes leverage and how regional actors will engage the White House.
Appointments Signal Peace Ambition
- Trump quickly appointed a presidential-level Mideast envoy and a personal Middle East advisor, signaling peace is back on the agenda.
- Braunold views those appointments as a White House-run initiative rather than a State Department-led effort.
The 2020 Plan As A Reboot Option
- The Trump team can reuse the 2020 'Peace to Prosperity' plan as a starting point rather than starting from scratch.
- Braunold notes the plan was substantive and may be dusted off if parties are willing to reengage.