The Middle East is ablaze, with the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifying. Fox News’ Nate Foy reports from Israel, describing a scene of escalating violence. Hezbollah launched long-range rockets towards Israeli settlements, prompting the Israeli Defense Forces to respond with over 300 attacks on targets in Lebanon, including some within Beirut. The United States is actively involved, deploying its second aircraft carrier, the Harry Truman, to join the Abraham Lincoln carrier task force already present in the region.
This volatile situation has reignited debate over the Biden/Harris administration’s Middle East policy, particularly in light of Vice President Harris’s call for a deal. Fox News commentator Hugh Hewitt, drawing upon his extensive political experience and commentary, highlights the stark contrast between the Biden/Harris approach and that of former President Trump. Trump, Hewitt asserts, has consistently maintained that Israel needs to decisively win the conflict. This view, Hewitt argues, resonates with many Israelis, who are deeply divided along political lines but united in their desire for victory. A Jewish People Policy Institute poll conducted in July 2024 found that 51% of Israeli Jews favored Trump over Biden (35%).
Hewitt further analyzes the potential impact of the conflict on the 2024 US Presidential election, arguing that the situation could benefit Donald Trump. He points to the ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Iran implemented under Trump, which significantly weakened the Iranian regime until President Biden relaxed sanctions and unfroze billions in Iranian assets. This shift in policy, Hewitt believes, has weakened America’s position in the region and played into the hands of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who likely prefers a Harris-Waltz victory to one of Trump-Vance.
Hewitt goes on to explain that while many Americans are preoccupied with domestic issues like the cost of groceries, a significant portion of the electorate is deeply concerned about national security and the potential for instability in the Middle East. These voters, Hewitt believes, will likely support Trump due to his perceived strength and commitment to a ‘peace through strength’ approach. He emphasizes that Trump’s focus on unleashing American domestic energy production could significantly reduce the cost of groceries and appeal to voters facing economic hardship.
Ultimately, Hewitt concludes that the Middle East conflict has the potential to influence the 2024 election, especially among voters who prioritize national security and a strong foreign policy. While the domestic political landscape is dominated by issues like inflation and abortion, the war in the Middle East offers a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global events and their impact on American interests. For those who value national security and a strong international position, Hewitt argues, the choice is clear: Donald Trump.
