President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of billionaire real estate mogul Steve Witkoff as his special envoy to the Middle East has been met with optimism from pro-Israel advocates. Witkoff, a staunch supporter of Israel, is expected to help strengthen U.S.-Israel relations and further advance the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations during Trump’s first term.

Witkoff’s deep ties to Israel and his business acumen have drawn praise from key figures, including former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who described him as a “brilliant dealmaker” with a “strong understanding of Israel’s strategic importance.” Settlers and advocates alike view Witkoff as someone capable of promoting policies that bolster Israel’s position in the region.

The appointment comes as tensions remain high in the Middle East following increased conflict involving Israel and Iran-backed proxies. Trump has indicated his administration will prioritize Israel’s security, urging a resolution to conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon while also expanding regional peace agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia.

Witkoff, known for his ability to close complex deals, is already engaging with Middle Eastern leaders and consulting with Jared Kushner, a key architect of the Abraham Accords. His appointment underscores Trump’s continued commitment to pro-Israel policies and signals a proactive approach to strengthening Israel’s regional standing.