Trump's Support for Netanyahu Comes With a Price

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, urging Israelis to vote for him. The article suggests that Trump's support, characteristic of his "deal-making" approach, is transactional and comes with expectations of future concessions.

Trump has a history of backing losing candidates, but if Netanyahu wins, Trump is expected to claim credit and assert dominance in the U.S.-Israel relationship. The piece cites instances where Netanyahu has reportedly yielded to Trump's pressure, including on aid to Gaza, the return of aircraft during Operation "עם כלביא" (With All Its Might), hostage deals, and halting the Gaza war under a 20-point plan that allegedly left Hamas in control.

Trump's influence also extended to determining the end of conflicts in Lebanon. The article warns that if Netanyahu wins, Trump will "collect the price," potentially turning Israel into a "protectorate" or "banana republic." The most significant cost, according to the author, is the erosion of bipartisan support for Israel in the U.S., a principle that transcends individual leaders.

The piece concludes by quoting Netanyahu himself, who once stated that a prime minister must know when to say "no" to the U.S. president, questioning whether Netanyahu can uphold this principle after Trump's recent endorsement.