Trump Backs Netanyahu, Threatens Iran Action Only With Him
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating the U.S. would only act against Iran with him in power. Netanyahu welcomed the endorsement, which appears to have been coordinated, boosting his campaign efforts and dominating headlines. While the support energizes Netanyahu's base, it's unlikely to sway undecided voters. The article questions Netanyahu's strategic acumen amid Israel's global isolation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Donald Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening U.S. action against Iran only with him as PM.
- Netanyahu welcomed Trump's endorsement, which appeared coordinated and boosted his election campaign.
- Trump's support energizes Netanyahu's right-wing base but is unlikely to sway voters from the opposition.
- The endorsement counters previous assessments of a rift between Trump and Netanyahu.
- The article questions Netanyahu's leadership amid Israel's global isolation.
- Gadi Eisenkot responded that only Israeli citizens will decide the next prime minister.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a move starkly contrasting with then-President Bill Clinton's more reserved support for Shimon Peres in 1996. Trump's backing for Netanyahu, who is running against leading "Change bloc" candidate Gadi Eisenkot, is described as explicit and blunt. Trump has even suggested that the U.S. would not attack Iran unless Netanyahu is re-elected, stating he is only willing to engage in such a conflict with the current Israeli Prime Minister.
Netanyahu announced his pleasure at Trump's statement, though it appeared to be a coordinated effort in both message and timing. Immediately following Trump's announcement, Netanyahu released pre-prepared videos highlighting his frequent visits and positive interactions with the White House. This endorsement is seen as a significant political victory for Netanyahu, countering recent assessments by Israeli politicians and analysts who believed Trump was distancing himself from Netanyahu due to disagreements over Iran policy and other issues. Professor Eitan Gilboa, a U.S. affairs expert, had previously speculated that Trump preferred Eisenkot, citing Netanyahu's absence from a meeting with Trump at the UN General Assembly.
Trump's endorsement is viewed as a major boost for Netanyahu's campaign, injecting confidence and enthusiasm into his right-wing base and dominating the national news agenda. Netanyahu, in a radio interview, emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister being a global player, questioning Eisenkot's experience and readiness for international diplomacy and economic matters. However, the article suggests that while Trump's support energizes Netanyahu's base, it is unlikely to sway voters from the "Change bloc."
The article also posits that Trump's stance may not represent the broader American attitude towards Israel, which is described as divided. Furthermore, it notes that Trump himself might lose his Republican majority in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. The piece concludes by questioning Netanyahu's self-perception as a master strategist, given Israel's current global isolation, which it attributes partly to Netanyahu's actions and planning failures, particularly concerning the recent security events and subsequent diplomatic isolation.
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