Trump Endorses Netanyahu, Threatens Iran Action
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister, stating that only with Netanyahu would the U.S. act against Iran. Netanyahu welcomed the endorsement, which he appears to have coordinated. While the backing energizes Netanyahu's base, it's unlikely to sway undecided voters. Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu's main rival, stated that only Israeli citizens will decide the next prime minister.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for Israeli prime minister.
- Trump implied U.S. action against Iran depends on Netanyahu's election.
- Netanyahu welcomed the endorsement, which appears to have been coordinated.
- Gadi Eisenkot stated only Israeli citizens will decide the next prime minister.
- The endorsement is seen as a boost for Netanyahu's right-wing base.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister, a move reminiscent of Bill Clinton's support for Shimon Peres in 1996. Unlike Clinton's more cautious approach, Trump's backing is described as explicit and bold. Trump has also implied that U.S. action against Iran is contingent on Netanyahu's election, stating that he is only willing to confront Iran with the current Israeli prime minister.
Netanyahu, while feigning surprise, appears to have coordinated the timing and content of Trump's announcement. He quickly released pre-prepared videos highlighting his past visits to the White House and Trump's previous praise. This endorsement is seen as a significant political victory for Netanyahu, especially after recent assessments suggested Trump was distancing himself from him due to disagreements over Iran policy and other issues. Professor Eitan Gilboa had previously speculated that Trump favored Gadi Eisenkot, leading to Netanyahu's absence from a meeting with Trump at the UN General Assembly.
Netanyahu is leveraging Trump's endorsement to energize his right-wing base and control the national agenda. He stated, "I am happy to hear about Trump's announcement," and later claimed, "Only the two of us will destroy the Iranian nuclear [program]." However, the article suggests that while the endorsement may energize Netanyahu's supporters, it is unlikely to sway voters from the "Change Bloc."
Despite Trump's strong support, the article posits that Trump does not represent the current U.S. stance on Israel, which is described as divided. It also notes Trump's potential electoral challenges in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. The piece criticizes Netanyahu's leadership, calling Israel "a leper state" in global isolation, largely due to his own actions. Netanyahu, in turn, questioned Eisenkot's ability to work with Trump, citing a lack of experience in international affairs, economics, and security.
Eisenkot responded to Trump's endorsement by stating, "I have great appreciation for President Trump, but only the citizens of Israel will decide who will be prime minister." The article suggests that if Eisenkot is elected, he would likely receive a respectful reception from the White House, as U.S.-Israel relations are based on shared interests beyond individual leaders.
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