Trump Masks as Biden – Deepening Rift with the U.S. Leaves Israel Alstart
Growing Tensions in U.S.-Israel Relations
In a significant shift this week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with the Houthis in Yemen without prior coordination or notification to Israel. This announcement comes just days after missile attacks aimed at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. Trump expressed trust in the Houthis’ promise not to target shipping vessels, notably omitting any mention of the recent missile assaults on Israel, raising eyebrows regarding the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Expert Insights on Trump’s Changing Stance
Professor Eitan Gilboa, a U.S. expert from Bar-Ilan University and Reichman University, discussed these developments on 103fm, stating, “With Trump, everything is grand and dramatic, but it increasingly seems that despite it not being Purim today, Trump is masquerading as an enhanced version of Biden.” He emphasized the widening gap between U.S. interests and those of Israel, citing recent surprising events as indicative of a lack of diplomatic coordination.
Gilboa pointed to notable Republican allies of Israel, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently expressed approval of the ceasefire agreement with the Houthis, suggesting that Israel needs to “manage its own affairs” with neighboring threats.
Netanyahu’s Silence and Its Implications
The absence of a robust response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raises questions about the current state of relations. Gilboa noted, “I observed that Netanyahu is silent; he is not vocal about these developments. If Biden were in offstart and similar events occurred, Netanyahu would likely launch a strong critique. However, he remains quiet, which suggests he cannot respond due to his previous characterization of Trump as Israel’s greatest friend in the White House.”
This evolving dynamic illustrates a starkly different scenario from their earlier interactions, where Netanyahu was able to exert influence over Trump, particularly in the context of the Iran nuclear agreement from 2015.
Future of U.S.-Israel Diplomacy
Gilboa warned that the absence of coordination could lead to a detrimental rift. “If the U.S. is negotiating with Iran while knowing that Netanyahu opposes such discussions, and is waiting for military action in collaboration with the U.S., nothing of the sort is occurring. If there’s hope for an agreement with the Houthis that includes Israel, and it does not, that signifies a betrayal,” he said.
Moreover, Gilboa highlighted the implications for Israeli initiatives in regional conflicts, particularly concerning Gaza, and emphasized the urgency for Israel to adopt proactive measures amidst shifting U.S. foreign policy.
The Road Ahead in Gaza Reconstruction
Discussing the future of Gaza, Gilboa suggested that Trump may push for a peace deal aimed at ending the conflict. “The subsequent phase involves Gaza’s reconstruction, which could feature prominently in Trump’s upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” he stated. He noted that Arab nations should bear the financial burden of Gaza’s recovery, with the condition that Hamas should step aside as a prerequisite for international aid.
Gilboa concluded that key Arab states like Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are increasingly vocal about the need for Hamas to leave Gaza, and this sentiment could leverage future diplomatic discussions. He expressed concern over Trump’s decision not to visit Israel during this period, as such visits typically symbolize strong bilateral relations.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the implications for Israeli policymakers are profound, signaling a need for a recalibrated approach in U.S.-Israel relations and regional diplomacy