As president, Donald Trump went above and beyond his predecessors in fulfilling the strategic desires of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, acknowledged Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and brokered the Abraham Accords, facilitating normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states. Despite these monumental gestures, the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu soured when Netanyahu swiftly congratulated Joe Biden on his 2020 presidential victory, much to Trump's chagrin. This fracture in their relationship set the stage for a dramatic face-to-face meeting on Friday at Mar-a-Lago, the first in nearly four years.
The Stakes of the Meeting
Both Trump and Netanyahu have significant stakes in mending their fractured relationship. For Trump, now the Republican presidential nominee, this meeting is an opportunity to cast himself as a steadfast ally of Israel and a seasoned statesman, enhancing the Republican narrative of being the most loyal party to Israel. This is particularly crucial as American support for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza becomes increasingly divisive, threatening decades of bipartisan backing for Israel, the largest recipient of U.S. aid.
For Netanyahu, the stakes are equally high. With the prospect of Trump potentially reclaiming the presidency, Netanyahu aims to restore a robust relationship with a key ally. The United States remains Israel's principal arms supplier and protector, making it imperative for Netanyahu to ensure a solid rapport with the potential future leader of the free world.
The Political Gamble
Friday's meeting at Mar-a-Lago is not just a diplomatic engagement but a calculated political maneuver for both leaders. Netanyahu's political gamble hinges on whether he can secure more favorable terms in a Gaza ceasefire, hostage release, and a much-anticipated normalization deal with Saudi Arabia by aligning himself with Trump and waiting out the Biden administration. Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. diplomat and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, aptly noted that Netanyahu has spent much of his career tethering himself to the Republican Party. Repairing ties with Trump, despite his irascible nature, is a critical move in Netanyahu's strategic playbook.
Trump: “Kamala Harris [who boycotted @netanyahu' speech] is totally against the Jewish people. And it amazes me how some Jewish people will vote for the Democrats when they are being treated so disrespectfully and badly. It's shocking. I don't get it.”
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) July 25, 2024
pic.twitter.com/feAeoJBO6k
The History of Their Rift
The breakdown in their relationship began in early 2021, following Netanyahu's prompt congratulations to Biden for his presidential victory, ignoring Trump's false claims of electoral fraud. Trump's displeasure was palpable when he remarked in an Israeli newspaper interview that Netanyahu "could have stayed quiet" and labeled the congratulatory message as a "terrible mistake."
Their last meeting, a September 2020 White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, was a momentous occasion, marking the pinnacle of their political careers. The accords, brokered by the Trump administration, saw the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain formally recognize Israel, a monumental step towards easing regional tensions and expanding economic ties with Arab neighbors.
Donald Trump refusing Netanyahu’s handshake 😮 pic.twitter.com/XNLLQ8KOM7
— Tesla and Doge (@TeslaAndDoge) July 25, 2024
Trump's Perspective
In his post-presidency reflections, Trump has consistently portrayed himself as a staunch supporter of Israel, feeling betrayed by Netanyahu's perceived disloyalty. He has not shied away from criticizing Netanyahu, notably faulting him for being "unprepared" for the October 7 Hamas attacks, which sparked the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu's Diplomatic Tightrope
In a recent high-profile speech to Congress, Netanyahu acknowledged Biden's military and diplomatic support for Israel's offensive in Gaza, despite significant opposition within the Democratic Party. However, he lavished praise on Trump, heralding the historic regional accords and expressing gratitude for the significant pro-Israel actions taken during Trump's administration. These included recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, adopting a tougher stance on Iran, and declaring Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
PM Netanyahu: Thank you President Trump for: recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, for confronting Iran, for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moving the American embassy there.
— RJC (@RJC) July 24, 2024
President Trump is the most pro-Israel POTUS in history! pic.twitter.com/hb6NyvJfKf
The Path Forward
As Trump acknowledged Netanyahu's praise in a Fox & Friends interview, he simultaneously criticized Israel's handling of the war, urging a swift resolution to avoid further damage to Israel's public image. "Israel is not very good at public relations," Trump remarked, highlighting an area he believes requires immediate improvement.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture
Friday's meeting at Mar-a-Lago is more than a diplomatic reunion; it is a critical juncture in U.S.-Israel relations. For Trump and Netanyahu, it is an opportunity to present themselves as strong leaders capable of achieving significant milestones on the world stage. The outcome of this meeting could shape the future dynamics between the United States and Israel, reinforcing their alliance in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
