(CP) Washington: By The Editorial Board. This article reflects the opinion of the editorial board.
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to Washington for a meeting with President Trump, both leaders are navigating their respective political challenges with similar strategies.
2009, before President Obama took office, Netanyahu contacted Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas for insights into engaging with Democrats. “I speak Republican, and you speak Democratic, and I need the intermediary,” he stated, highlighting his alignment with right-wing ideologies. As he prepares to meet Trump, the contrast between their current political climates is evident.
While former President Biden sought to impose some limitations on Netanyahu’s military actions in Gaza, the Trump administration has not set such constraints. Biden criticized Netanyahu’s judicial reforms, whereas Trump attacked the U.S. judiciary. Natan Sachs, director of the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings Institution, remarked that the current administration lacks the humanitarian concerns expressed by the previous one.
The upcoming meeting will address several contentious topics, including Trump’s tariffs on Israel, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, relations with Turkey, Iran, and the International Criminal Court. Netanyahu emphasized the significance of discussing tariffs, stating, “I am the first international leader to meet with President Trump on this crucial issue for the Israeli economy.”
All recent U.S. administrations have maintained varying degrees of support for Israel. Biden and Netanyahu share a complicated relationship, with Biden referring to Netanyahu as a “close, personal friend” while expressing frustration over his leadership style and actions in Gaza, including the military response to Hamas’ attacks.
Biden conveyed concerns about Israel’s global image, suggesting it was perceived as a “rogue state.” In contrast, the Trump administration encouraged Israeli military actions in Gaza, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that those who threaten both Israel and the U.S. would face consequences.
The recent Israeli airstrikes, which killed over 400 people, signal a return to intense conflict following a brief cease-fire. Both leaders have also criticized their nations’ judicial systems, with Trump targeting judges who have blocked his policies and Netanyahu echoing similar sentiments.
Elliott Abrams from the Council on Foreign Relations noted that Israeli officials trust the Trump administration more than Biden’s, who is seen as sympathetic yet inclined to restrain Israeli actions.
Despite some past tensions, such as Netanyahu’s congratulatory remarks to Biden post-2020 election, many in Israel view Trump’s presidency as beneficial. Trump’s administration recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and largely ignored Palestinian concerns, aligning closely with Israeli interests.
Trump once suggested that the U.S. should take control of Gaza and displace its Palestinian population, a controversial idea that garnered support from Netanyahu’s right-wing base. This alignment grants Netanyahu significant leverage as negotiations continue regarding hostages and potential cease-fires.
With Trump’s unpredictability, Sachs believes Israel is cautious about crossing him, which could influence negotiations with Hamas. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, has communicated a clear ultimatum to Hamas regarding hostages.
As hostilities escalate again, analysts suggest that Trump’s involvement will redefine the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. “Netanyahu has had conflicts with every U.S. president, but he is on much friendlier terms with Trump,” noted Ned Lazarus, indicating that this resurgence of conflict might also be perceived as “Trump’s war.”