EXPLAINER: The US national Security Strategy: Europe, Israel and the Middle East

The latest in our Explainer series examines the Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS), released on 5 December 2025, and its implications for Europe, Israel, and the Middle East.

The NSS sets out a clear "America First" vision, sharply diverging from previous administrations by downgrading Europe (criticised for insufficient defence spending, economic decline, and civilisational challenges including migration and loss of national identity) while presenting a markedly more positive assessment of the Middle East as a region of emerging partnership, investment, and reduced conflict. It highlights Israel's security as a core US interest, the weakening of Iran through Israeli and US actions, progress on Gaza via the October 2025 ceasefire-hostage deal, and opportunities to expand the Abraham Accords - yet it also signals a pivot away from traditional US commitments, with greater burden-sharing expected from regional allies and a de-emphasis on democracy promotion. The NSS thus offers both reassurance and potential challenges for Israel's strategic position in a shifting US foreign policy landscape.