Trump's Election Loss May Empower Netanyahu's Iran Stance

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, having lost his bid for re-election, may now seek a significant foreign policy or military achievement to regain political standing, potentially involving Iran. Trump's approach, as described by Dr. Liraz Margalit, involves "thinking big" and escalating commitments, making it difficult for him to retreat from past actions. He previously suggested that the U.S. was not attacking Iran with full force due to the elections, a consideration that no longer applies.

This situation directly impacts Israel, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views confronting Iran as a decades-long historical mission and a key part of his legacy. Trump had publicly endorsed Netanyahu during the Israeli elections, and reports indicated discussions between them about renewing attacks on Iran, possibly with joint operations. Margalit suggests Trump's support for Netanyahu might stem from a need for a partner deeply motivated to continue the fight against Iran.

Following Trump's electoral defeat, this partnership takes on new significance. If Trump decides he needs a major military success to restore his image, Netanyahu is presented as an ideal, already-motivated partner. The article warns that Iran might misinterpret the U.S. election results as a sign of American war fatigue and underestimate Trump's potential for risk-taking in his weakened state.

While Trump has lost considerable political power in the U.S., he retains significant military authority. Netanyahu, alongside him, sees the ongoing struggle against Iran as an opportunity to complete a decades-long objective. The article concludes that the decision on continuing the campaign against Iran could now be influenced by Trump's need to rebuild his political standing, raising questions about the price he is willing to pay and who else will share it.