Israeli Ambassador to Japan Discusses Expectations for President-elect Trump and the Middle East

Israeli Ambassador's Expectations for President-elect Trump

In an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun and The Japan News, Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen expressed his expectations for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. He believes that the incoming administration will advance efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and bring peace to the Middle East.

Cohen stated his belief that Trump will work to isolate "terrorists and the supporters of terrorists like Iran," and stand against "the desires of Iran to become a nuclear power and to send terrorists long-range missiles and destabilize the Middle East."

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He emphasized that Israel is doing everything possible to ensure that the people of Gaza have access to food, medicine, and other necessities. However, he also stressed the need for the international community to find alternatives to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as the agency is "infiltrated by terrorism."

Regarding Syria, Cohen said that the Israeli government will continue to monitor the situation closely following the fall of the Assad regime, as Syria's new leadership has a history of connections to al-Qaida.

Finally, the ambassador addressed Japan's role in promoting peace. He encouraged Japan to invest in the Palestinian economy, particularly in areas such as industry, water purification, and education for peace.