Netanyahu Finally Learns the Truth About Trump
An alliance with the president was the Israeli prime minister’s selling point. Now it may be his downfall.
TL;DR
- Benjamin Netanyahu used his close ties with Donald Trump as a key argument for his reelection in 2019.
- Trump has recently publicly criticized Netanyahu, calling him "fucking crazy" and lacking "fucking judgment."
- Trump reportedly intervened to prevent Israeli retaliatory strikes on Iran and restricted responses to Hezbollah fire from Lebanon.
- Netanyahu is now forced to choose between defying Trump on security matters or preserving the perception of his alliance with the president, both actions potentially harming his political future.
- Netanyahu's coalition has struggled with public support, and polls indicate his party is projected to lose the next election.
- Failed campaigns in Iran and Lebanon, coupled with unrealistic expectations stoked by Netanyahu, have eroded his standing.
- Trump's actions appear driven by his own interests, which have diverged from Netanyahu's as the Iran conflict has continued.
- Trump views the U.S. as the "big partner" and Israel as the "very small partner" in their dealings.