Immediately upon taking office, the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, took several significant actions for Israel, one of which was stopping funding for UNRWA – the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
President Trump Halts Funding
In a move hailed by Israeli lawmakers, President Trump made good on a long-discussed policy shift. Knesset member Yulia Malinovsky, who spearheaded Israel’s legislative push to sever ties with UNRWA, expressed her gratitude on social media: “On his first day in office, President Trump has stopped U.S. funding for UNRWA,” she wrote on platform X, “It took me nine months to pass the law removing this agency of terror, but Trump achieved it in a single day.”
Ending a Legacy of Dependency and Terror
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Yuli Edelstein, echoed Malinovsky’s sentiments. Speaking at a closed committee meeting, he confirmed that Israel’s laws targeting UNRWA would go into effect by the end of the month, marking a historic shift. “UNRWA has been more than just an enabler of terrorism—it perpetuates the cycle of refugee status indefinitely,” Edelstein said. “The laws we passed three months ago represent a historic change.”
Edelstein emphasized that removing UNRWA from the equation would help break the cycle of radicalization in Palestinian territories. “This is the first domino in dismantling Palestinian terrorism. It provides hope for a better future and a real opportunity to move toward de-radicalization in UNRWA strongholds.”
Resistance and Resolve
Edelstein warned of likely international backlash from the United Nations, Palestinian authorities, and other vested interests. “Let me be clear: the law will be implemented. It’s final and binding,” he stated. “I urge all involved parties—rather than perpetuate suffering, seek solutions. Israel stands ready to support those committed to ending this injustice.”
Trump’s decision to cut funding for UNRWA aligns with Israel’s efforts to tackle the agency’s controversial role in the region. It is viewed by many as a significant step toward addressing the root causes of conflict while opening the door to new opportunities for stability.
A Turning Point in U.S.-Israel Relations
President Trump’s actions on his first day in office have been warmly received by Israeli officials and advocates of reform. By halting U.S. support for UNRWA, Trump has reinforced his administration’s commitment to Israel’s security and long-term peace in the region. This bold move signals the beginning of what some hope will be a new era in Israeli-American cooperation and a more sustainable approach to Middle East challenges.
ביום הראשון בתפקיד, הנשיא טראמפ עוצר את המימון של ארה”ב לאונר”א!
טראמפ ביום אחד עצר את המימון לאונר”א ופה בגלל ההתנגדויות של ראש הממשלה שלנו והממשלה שלו זה לקח לי תשעה חודשים להעביר את החוק לניתוק וסילוק סוכנות הטרור הזו ושלא יהיה לאף אחד ספק, הם עדיין מנסים להנשים את אונר”א… pic.twitter.com/iVTgMYtd7b
— Yulia Malinovsky יוליה מלינובסקי (@YuliaMalinovsky) January 21, 2025
