Is a renewed era of cooperation dawning between Israel and the United States?
Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency marks a significant juncture for US-Israel relations. Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington to meet with Trump, while not necessarily a landmark event, signaled a potentially important shift with implications for Middle Eastern affairs. These discussions held considerable importance for the future policies of both countries in the region, exceeding the scope of a typical diplomatic exchange.
The US has historically been Israel’s strongest ally, but its Middle East policy has varied across administrations. Trump’s first term sharply contrasted with previous approaches, closely aligning with Netanyahu on key issues like Iran, Jerusalem’s status, Israeli settlements, and the Abraham Accords.
Key issues on the agenda
The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump reaffirmed US support for Israel. They explored initiatives aimed at regional stabilization, with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, security concerns, and possible resolutions, including Trump’s proposed “deal of the century.”
Netanyahu’s visit confirmed the shared US-Israeli stance that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons, although their approaches to resolving this issue may differ. Trump stressed his administration’s priority would be negotiating a comprehensive agreement with Iran, addressing its nuclear program and broader regional issues.
Trump suggested that if negotiations failed or Iran pursued nuclear weapons development, he would support Israeli military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. To increase pressure on Tehran, the Trump administration reinstated its “maximum pressure” campaign from his first term.
However, Netanyahu and the Trump administration did not reach a consensus on resolving the conflict in Gaza. Dialogue between Israel and Hamas remains complex due to disagreements over Gaza’s future. It is unclear whether Israel will stick to the ceasefire steps agreed with Hamas or consider Trump’s alternative proposals, such as relocating Gaza’s residents.
Trump’s ideas, including the US taking control of Gaza, have been widely criticized as unrealistic and illegal. However, some view them as highlighting the need for active international involvement in the region’s post-war recovery.
Strengthening diplomatic and military ties
Following Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel. As part of his Middle East trip, Rubio met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss regional security challenges, including the Gaza conflict, the threat from Iran, and prospects for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
At a joint press conference, Rubio voiced strong support for Israel, agreeing with Netanyahu that Iran is “the single greatest source of instability in the region.” Rubio affirmed the US position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, and that Washington would continue to pressure the Iranian leadership through diplomatic and economic means.
Rubio’s visit represented a foreign policy achievement for Netanyahu, bolstering his domestic standing. Strong ties with a key ally enhance Netanyahu’s popularity amid political challenges. US support allows him to present himself as a protector of Israel’s security and a leader capable of ensuring international recognition of his government’s actions.
Netanyahu’s strategic goals
Netanyahu’s Washington visit was a strategic move to secure commitments from Trump. Amid Middle East tensions and international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Netanyahu aimed to leverage his relationship with Trump to strengthen Israel’s global position.
His key objectives included:
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Securing ongoing military aid: Israel needs advanced weaponry, including air defense systems, munitions, and strategic technologies.
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Ensuring US political support in case of escalation: With a potential military strike on Iran possible, Netanyahu sought Trump’s diplomatic and military support if needed.
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Increasing US pressure on Arab nations: Despite Israel’s peace agreements with some Gulf states, Netanyahu pushed for US involvement in encouraging Arab governments to support Israeli initiatives.
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Blocking anti-Israel resolutions in international organizations: Netanyahu sought assurances that Washington would prevent anti-Israel measures in the UN and other global institutions.
The political implications for Netanyahu
Beyond US support for Israel, Netanyahu’s visit had domestic political motivations. Facing opposition at home, criticism over the Gaza conflict, and legal battles, he understood that strong US ties were vital for Israel’s security and his political survival.
His relationship with the Biden administration had made US support less certain. While Biden supported Israel, he was more responsive to international criticism and advocated for humanitarian aid to Palestinians. In contrast, Trump’s first term saw US-Israel relations at their strongest, with policies favoring Netanyahu’s government.
With Trump potentially returning to the White House, Netanyahu aimed to renew this alliance. His visit to Washington was part of a strategy to secure Israel’s future and his political career.
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