Trump victory would mean ‘maximum pressure on Iran and maximum support to Israel,’ expert says
Gen. Jack Keane: Netanyahu’s address to Congress one of the most ‘impactful’ by a foreign leader
Fox News senior strategic analyst Ret. Gen. Jack Keane reacts to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to joint meeting of Congress on ‘Your World.’
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with former President Trump this Friday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. This meeting aims to mend their previously strained relationship.
After President Biden’s victory over Trump in the 2020 election, Netanyahu congratulated him, which led Trump to express his displeasure. Trump mentioned that he hasn’t spoken to Netanyahu since, even using some harsh words.
Netanyahu’s congratulatory tweet to Biden read: “Congratulations Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Joe, we’ve had a long and warm personal relationship for nearly 40 years, and I know you as a great friend of Israel. I look forward to working with both of you to strengthen the US-Israel alliance.”
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend the Abraham Accords signing ceremony on September 15, 2020.
Netanyahu is keen to patch things up with Trump. In his speech to Congress, he acknowledged Trump’s significant achievements in the Middle East.
“I want to thank President Trump for his leadership in brokering the historic Abraham Accords. Israelis, like Americans, were relieved when President Trump emerged safe from that terrible attack on American democracy. There’s no place for political violence in democracies,” Netanyahu remarked.
Trump’s administration negotiated the Abraham Accords, establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and several Sunni Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
Netanyahu continued: “I also thank President Trump for all he did for Israel – from recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights to confronting Iran’s aggression, to recognizing Jerusalem as our capital and moving the US Embassy there. Jerusalem, our eternal capital, will never be divided again.”
Michael Makovsky, president and CEO of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, emphasizes the importance of a positive meeting between Netanyahu and Trump for both the US and Israel. Makovsky pointed out that despite occasional dissatisfaction, Trump recognizes that the Republican base is very pro-Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Congress.
“Trump can garner support from not just Republicans but also independents or Democrats concerned about Biden’s stance on Israel this year,” Makovsky stated. “Anyway, Trump is fundamentally pro-Israel, and Netanyahu understands that strong US support is crucial for Israel, especially amidst threats from Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen, and the potential for normalization with Saudi Arabia. Close ties with the US are in the best interests of national security for both countries.”
The new chapter of the Trump-Netanyahu relationship appears promising, with Trump appreciating Netanyahu’s acknowledgment of his Middle East diplomatic successes.
However, Trump has stressed the urgency of Israel’s actions against Hamas, stating, “I want him to finish up and get it done quickly. Israel isn’t very good at public relations, and dragging this out isn’t helping.”
An explosion erupts in Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on October 9, 2023.
Trump also claimed that the violent events of October 7, where nearly 1,200 people, including over 30 Americans, were killed by Hamas, wouldn’t have occurred had he been re-elected in 2020. He highlighted Iran’s financial state as a deterrent for supporting Hamas or Hezbollah.
“The nine-month war in Gaza to root out Hamas terrorists has taken too long,” Trump commented. “It’s time to end this fast and get the hostages back.” Hamas continues to hold over 100 hostages, including eight Americans.
Richard Goldberg, who served on the National Security Council during Trump’s administration, remarked that Netanyahu’s decision to seek meetings with leaders from both political parties is wise. He believes a balanced approach of maximum pressure on Iran and solid support for Israel is key to promoting security and peace.
