On his first day back as President of the United States, Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders, leveraging the key tool of the executive branch to implement his policy agenda.
Lifting Economic and Civil Sanctions
Several of Trump’s executive orders directly impacted Israel, as he revoked economic and civil sanctions imposed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, over the past year. These sanctions had targeted prominent figures in right-wing organizations and leading settlement movements in Judea and Samaria (West Bank), including individuals accused of violence against Palestinians.
“The Golden Era of Settlement Has Arrived”
The decision was widely praised by leaders in Judea and Samaria. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, stated that Trump’s actions underscored his deep support for Israel and his pro-Israel base. “This demonstrates how much the Israeli government and Prime Minister have a historic opportunity—both in Judea and Samaria and throughout Israel—to achieve significant, historic advancements. Even when disagreements arise with the Trump administration, it is a disagreement among friends,” Dagan said.
Similarly, Shai Alon, head of the Beit El Council, declared, “The winds of change have arrived. The golden era of settlement has begun.” He echoed Trump’s words from his inauguration speech, where the President proclaimed the beginning of the “Golden Age of America.”
“We Never Stopped Praying for You”
Among Trump’s many first-day orders, notable actions included withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), declaring a “state of emergency” at the Mexican border due to the immigration crisis, and granting pardons to approximately 1,500 of his supporters accused of involvement in the Capitol events four years ago.
In an emotional moment later in the day, Trump participated in a rally with his supporters at the Capital One Arena. On stage, he welcomed hostages, including Noa Argamani, and the family of Omer Neutra, a lone soldier from the U.S. who was originally believed to be held hostage in Gaza, but later discovered that he had been killed on October 7, 2023. To the freed hostages present, Trump said: “Welcome home. We never stopped praying for you, and we are so grateful you’ve been reunited with your friends and families. May God bless you all.”
