Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently concluded a highly successful trip to Washington. While in Washington, DC, Trudeau had an important meeting scheduled with U.S. President Donald Trump. This year’s trip comes at a particularly important time. Tensions remain quite high elsewhere in the region, particularly when it comes to Iran, which Netanyahu has long and consistently labelled as Israel’s top regional foe. During those discussions with Trump, Netanyahu was present when the U.S. president declared his intention to pursue direct talks with Iran. This wildly unexpected step blew the minds of Israeli authorities.
The centrepiece of Netanyahu’s trip was the warm and effusive praise showered on him by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He increasingly views Erdogan as an enemy in the current remaking of Syria. This acknowledgment highlights the complexities of Israel’s relationships with neighboring countries and the challenges posed by shifting alliances in the region.
The prime minister’s tenure thus far has been characterized by a very hard line on territorial matters, particularly with respect to the West Bank. He often tweets praise for the annexation of this territory. This position has received sharp bi-partisan rebuke at home and from around the world. In Israel, far-right politicians have celebrated his remarks, urging on President Trump’s words by calling to extend Israeli sovereignty over the entire West Bank.
Years under Netanyahu’s watch have been marked by explosive violence across Gaza, where hopes for a new ceasefire seem equally deadlocked. With the return of the rest of the hostages still in Gaza now in doubt, that’s just one more complication for his beleaguered administration. No one could deny that Netanyahu is a master at changing the topics of discussion. He is a vehement advocate of Jewish settlements on occupied Palestinian land, which are deemed illegal under international law.
Back in Washington, where Trump showed Netanyahu the red carpet treatment, the American president voiced great confidence that Netanyahu would deliver, “bring home the bacon.” This endorsement highlights the deep bonds between the two leaders and mutual interests of the two administrations’ shared priorities.
Yet Netanyahu’s course now lies between furious domestic criticism and increasingly glaring international scrutiny. His policies are the key to understanding the policy debates raging over what Israel’s future should be, and Israel’s role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the uncertain landscape regarding Iran will undoubtedly influence his strategies and decisions in the months ahead.
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