Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself at a pivotal juncture as he prepares to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington. This visit, his first since the onset of the war with Iran, comes at a time when the dynamics of US-Israel relations are undergoing significant changes. Netanyahu, known for his deep understanding of US politics and his ability to navigate the American political landscape, is facing a more complex environment than ever before.
The relationship between Netanyahu and Trump, once characterized by strong mutual support, has seen increasing strains. The war with Iran, which Netanyahu had convinced Trump was feasible, has stalled, and Trump has shown a willingness to make Middle East deals without Israeli input. This shift comes as Netanyahu faces an election at home in late October, an ongoing corruption trial, and several unresolved regional conflicts.
Optics and Strategic Moves
The optics of Netanyahu’s visit are crucial. While publicly framed as a gesture of solidarity and a discussion on key issues like Iran, F-35 sales to Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia’s nuclear deal, the visit is also seen as a strategic move to bolster Netanyahu’s image back home. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli ambassador, suggests that the visit is partly about reassuring allies and critics within Israel about the strength of the US-Israel relationship.
However, Netanyahu’s stock in the US is potentially at its lowest. He has faced criticism from figures on the American right, including podcast host Tucker Carlson and former US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Vice President JD Vance has also been critical of certain Israeli actions, suggesting that figures within the Israeli government were trying to derail US-brokered agreements with Iran.
Challenges and Criticisms
Netanyahu’s ability to present himself as uniquely positioned to manage Israel’s relationship with the US is being challenged. Analysts suggest that the Trump-Netanyahu meeting will combine public flattery with private cynicism on Trump’s part. Trump’s recent comments on the potential sale of F-35s to Turkiye, where he stated, “Nobody tells me what we should be selling,” underscore the shifting dynamics.
Ahron Bregman, an Israeli security analyst, notes that Netanyahu is regarded in the US as the one who dragged Trump into a war of choice that has turned into a strategic catastrophe. This perception has made Netanyahu toxic in the US, limiting his ability to present himself as the cleverest guy in the room.
Burnt Bridges and Future Uncertainty
Mitchell Barak, an Israeli pollster, points out that Netanyahu has burned a lot of bridges. The criticism of Netanyahu is not isolated to the nationalist wing of the Republican Party but includes Israel’s traditional allies within the party’s center-right. The tension over F-35 sales and US criticism of Netanyahu at the start of the Iran war suggests that Trump’s support for Netanyahu may be waning.
As Netanyahu faces an election and ongoing legal challenges, his ability to leverage his relationship with Trump will be crucial. However, the shifting political landscape and increasing criticism suggest that his traditional advantages may no longer be as effective. The outcome of this visit could have significant implications for both Netanyahu’s political future and the broader US-Israel relationship.
