Netanyahu made a significant effort to be the first foreign official to visit and meet with Donald Trump, the new President of the United States. The relationship between Netanyahu and Trump can be considered one of the most tense and, at the same time, prominent relationships in the history of Israeli-American relations. During Trump's first term, his support for the Israeli regime in various areas, such as moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, backing the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and advancing the Abraham Accords, gave Netanyahu a special position in Israel's domestic politics. However, after Trump's term ended, their relationship underwent new developments that have particularly challenged Netanyahu.
A look back at Trump and Netanyahu's relationship
During Trump's presidency, Netanyahu received the most support from the US. From changes in US policies towards the Israeli regime to various plans that served Israeli interests, Trump became one of Netanyahu's greatest supporters. However, their relationship has not been smooth due to various reasons. The first rift in their relationship stems from Trump's opposition to the annexation of parts of the West Bank to the Israeli regime. Netanyahu, who had hoped for Trump's support, faced his opposition, leading to Netanyahu's disappointment.
Another issue that caused Netanyahu's doubt was the Abraham Accords. Trump, facing the absence of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in the Accords, sought to push more Arab countries towards normalizing relations with Israel. To advance this agreement, Trump pressured Israel to make concessions to Arab countries. Netanyahu, dissatisfied with this process, preferred that the US put more pressure on Arab countries to come to the negotiating table rather than Israel being pressured itself.
A significant matter, due to Trump's proud and self-aggrandizing personality, that has turned into an unforgettable grudge against Netanyahu is Netanyahu's explicit and meaningful congratulations to Biden in the election that Trump lost. Trump expected Netanyahu not to congratulate Biden due to claims of election fraud, but Netanyahu acted otherwise.
New Trump and strategic changes
In this new era, Trump, who can no longer run for president, aims to leave a historic legacy of American economic prosperity. He has mentioned reducing costs and increasing revenues as his primary priorities and, in this regard, intends to focus on global issues instead of heavy investments in the Middle East. One of the most significant changes in Trump's policies towards Israel is his unwillingness to continue extensive financial and military aid to the country.
Netanyahu, who desperately needs American support to rebuild Israel's crisis-ridden economy after the Gaza war, faces Trump's changed approach. Trump is in no way willing to continue unconditional support for Israel. This is a significant threat to Netanyahu, who is under intense pressure domestically and requires international successes.
Challenges ahead for Netanyahu and Trump
One of the most important factors causing Netanyahu's fear of the new Trump is the outcome of the 15-month Gaza war and the public perception of Hezbollah and Hamas's victory in this war. These victories were so powerful and influential that they have removed extremist members of Netanyahu's cabinet and many Zionist military officials from the Israeli political scene. This situation indicates that Netanyahu, after his failure in the Gaza war and the domestic crises arising from economic corruption cases, is in dire need of international support.
The second major challenge for Netanyahu is the security and military agreement between the US and Israel signed in the final days of the Obama administration. This agreement, valid until 2028, provides substantial financial and military aid to Israel. However, with Trump's new approach of cutting off American financial aid to various countries, the foundations of this agreement are becoming shaky.
Another challenge that Trump brings is his controversial plan for the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. This plan, which has faced strong opposition from Arab countries and Palestinians, has terrified Netanyahu regarding increased pressure on him. The six-party meetings of Arab foreign ministers and public protests in Egypt indicate the failure of this ill-conceived plan, further complicating Netanyahu's situation.
New Trump and a fresh perspective on West Asia
The new Trump's view of West Asia has completely changed. He is no longer interested in long-term conflicts in the region and prefers to focus on China and global competitions with economic promises such as Saudi Arabia's $600 billion investment in the US. This shift in US foreign policy means abandoning the special attention to Israel and developments in West Asia, posing a serious threat to Netanyahu, who intends to create new crises in the region with Trump's support to rebuild his highly unstable position.
Trump's changed approach towards Israel and his new policies regarding West Asia have presented Netanyahu with serious challenges. While Trump is no longer seeking political and military conflicts in the region and is more focused on economic issues, Netanyahu, who desperately needs American support, feels that his political future and identity are at stake. The new Trump is in no way willing to support Israel as before, and this can lead to significant changes in Israel's future policies and the security of West Asia.
NOURNEWS