Trump Reverses Stance on Netanyahu, Sparking Concern Over US Relations

U.S. President Donald Trump has made a surprising shift in his stance on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, issuing a strong endorsement just days after stating he trusted "no one." This reversal, occurring nine days before Israeli elections, comes despite earlier indications that Trump wished to avoid interfering in the elections and even skipped a meeting with Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly to prevent such accusations.

Behind the scenes, some had advised Trump against supporting Netanyahu, arguing he was an obstacle to Trump's plans, particularly regarding the rehabilitation of Gaza. However, Trump, known for his volatile leadership, changed course. The endorsement, which stated "any other leader would be a mistake," was met with a response from Gabi Eisenkot and criticism from former Democratic Congressman Daniel Goldman, who argued Trump should not comment on foreign democratic elections and that such actions could irreparably harm U.S.-Israel relations, which depend on bipartisan support.

Despite Trump's past endorsements, such as for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, which did not guarantee victory, he also supported Javier Milei's successful bid in Argentina. It is speculated that Netanyahu conveyed that the race was close and Trump's endorsement would secure his win, with Trump consulting his pollster John McLaughlin. However, some of Trump's advisors cautioned against a public show of support.

Separately, recent attacks by Jewish individuals on European diplomats and a photographer in the West Bank have ignited a diplomatic firestorm. Israeli officials warn of increased European pressure for sanctions and anger within the U.S., both from Democrats and the administration, amid rising anti-Israel sentiment in the Republican party. These events have reignited discussions about the future of U.S.-Israel relations, with Netanyahu acknowledging the possibility of Israel losing the U.S. after Trump's term ends.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Hackabee and Secretary of State Marco Rubio unequivocally condemned the attacks, which the U.S. views as terrorism, particularly given the incident occurred in a Christian village. The attack on American photographer Heidi Levine also provoked significant anger in the U.S., with some congressional candidates vowing to push for sanctions and freeze budgets if they win. The upcoming Congress, potentially with Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, is expected to be more challenging for Israel, even with continued administration support.

These incidents are exacerbating Israel's difficult situation in Europe, where the EU has condemned the violence and demanded accountability. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue across the continent, with activists in the Netherlands displaying the names of children allegedly killed in Gaza. Israeli officials warn that such actions endanger the future of settlements and could lead to sanctions, impacting the Israeli economy.