This meeting, the first with a foreign official during Trump's second term, is an opportunity for the Israeli Prime Minister to secure Washington's backing. But will Trump continue to support Tel Aviv unconditionally, or will Netanyahu return to Israel empty-handed this time?
The White House announced that Donald Trump, the US President, has invited Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, to visit the US. The trip is scheduled for Tuesday. Netanyahu's visit to the US during Trump's second term is significant for several reasons. It is the first meeting with a foreign official after Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, and key issues such as the Gaza ceasefire, US financial aid to Israel, and regional policies are expected to be discussed.
Netanyahu's attempt to escape domestic crisis and gain foreign support
Netanyahu's trip to the US comes as he faces intense political and social pressure within the occupied territories. After agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas, Netanyahu has not only failed to consolidate his position but has become a symbol of Israel's military and political defeat. He now faces a multi-layered crisis; public dissatisfaction on one hand and an economic recession caused by 15 months of war on the other, have put him in a political bind. In this context, the trip to the US is not a routine diplomatic visit but a political rescue operation for the Israeli Prime Minister.
Escaping internal pressure by raising diversionary issues
After the ceasefire, domestic criticism against Netanyahu has intensified. Many analysts and even Israeli officials hold him responsible for the defeat against Hamas and the deaths of dozens of Israeli soldiers. One of the main accusations is that he rejected the ceasefire proposal months ago, leading to heavy casualties for the Israeli army. In this climate, instead of addressing public concerns, Netanyahu is trying to divert domestic attention from his failures by traveling to the US and highlighting external threats. He hopes to unite the domestic front against an external enemy by reigniting the Iran issue and deflecting accusations from himself.
Netanyahu's hopeful gaze at Trump to escape economic crisis
Israel is facing a severe economic crisis due to the 15-month war, with heavy military expenses, reduced foreign investment, the departure of many companies and workers from the occupied territories, and economic recession creating a fragile situation for the regime. On the other hand, the US is seeking to recover its outstanding debts from Israel. Netanyahu aims to use his personal relationship with Trump to convince him to waive these debts and even provide new aid to help Tel Aviv overcome its current economic crisis. However, it seems unlikely that Trump, entangled in domestic challenges and various foreign affairs, would be willing to offer new financial support to Netanyahu.
Playing the Gaza card to gain leverage over Trump
Netanyahu, who accepted the ceasefire under pressure from Trump, is now trying to leverage the issue of humanitarian aid to Gaza to pressure the White House for more concessions. He knows that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has become an international concern, and Trump is compelled to take action to maintain his image. But the issue is that Washington is no longer willing to give Tel Aviv a blank check and tie its continued military and economic assistance to Netanyahu's unattainable goals, which have now become more personal.
Iran's threat as a traditional pressure tool
Netanyahu has consistently portrayed Iran as a significant threat to gain US support. On this trip, he is expected to emphasize the dangers of Iran and resistance groups in his speeches to Congress and meetings with US officials. He aims to reinforce the perception that Iran is increasing its threats against Israel and that the US should not remain passive in this situation. However, US officials are fully aware of Netanyahu's tactics, and it seems they are not inclined to engage in a new and costly dispute that Netanyahu is seeking. It remains unclear to what extent US policymakers will be willing to accommodate his demands in these circumstances.
Trump, yesterday's partner, today's critic
Netanyahu and Trump have had close ties, but today's circumstances are different from the past. Trump, facing domestic pressures and focusing on creating new economic opportunities for the US, may not be able or willing to provide unconditional support to Israel as before. Moreover, the relationship between Tel Aviv and Washington has changed during the 15-month Gaza war, and the US is no longer inclined to offer unconditional support for Israel's aggressive policies. This shift in approach has made things more challenging for Netanyahu, putting him in a position of weakness.
A futile attempt for survival
Netanyahu's trip to the US is more of a survival effort for his political career than a diplomatic move to advance Israel's interests. While facing economic, social, and political crises at home, he aims to reduce pressure by gaining Trump's support. However, the reality is that global and regional conditions have changed, and Israel can no longer extract concessions from the US without consequences. This trip, while potentially providing Netanyahu with a short-term opportunity for publicity, will not resolve his internal crises in the long run.
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