Israel Under Pressure

## Will a Trump-Netanyahu Rift Force Israel’s Hand?

The once-unbreakable bond between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be fraying. Recent reports and public jabs hint at a deeper discord than previously acknowledged. But what are the implications of this fractured relationship for Israel, and will it force the nation to recalibrate its foreign policy strategy?

For years, Netanyahu skillfully cultivated a close alliance with Trump, leveraging the relationship to secure key US policy shifts favorable to Israel, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). This alignment, however, came at a potential cost: an increasingly polarized perspective on Israel within the American political landscape.

Trump’s recent criticisms, reportedly stemming from Netanyahu’s congratulatory phone call to President Biden after the 2020 election, are publicly highlighting this tension. While some might dismiss these as the grumblings of a politician out of power, they underscore a crucial vulnerability for Israel: over-reliance on a single, volatile personality.

So, will this shift necessitate a change in Israel’s approach? It’s likely. While Israel will undoubtedly seek to maintain a strong relationship with the US regardless of who occupies the White House, the Trump-Netanyahu era demonstrated the dangers of tying its fortunes too closely to a specific individual or political faction.

Here are some potential shifts we might see:

* **A renewed focus on bi-partisan support:** Israel may actively seek to rebuild bridges with Democrats in the US, emphasizing shared values and security interests that transcend partisan divides.
* **Increased engagement with the Biden administration:** Despite potential policy disagreements, Israel will likely prioritize finding areas of cooperation with the current administration, such as regional security and economic partnerships.
* **Diversification of alliances:** While the US will remain a crucial ally, Israel may further explore and strengthen relationships with other countries, particularly within the Abraham Accords framework, fostering regional stability and economic opportunities.

The coming years will be critical for Israel’s foreign policy. Navigating a post-Trump world requires a delicate balancing act: maintaining strong ties with the US while forging a broader network of alliances and fostering bipartisan support to ensure long-term security and stability. The “Trump-Netanyahu” era might be waning, but its impact will continue to shape Israel’s strategic decisions for years to come.