Trump says he saved Netanyahu from crushing election defeat - now, he wants influence - analysis
From Gaza to Syria and Lebanon, Trump wants an Israeli government that advances his regional ambitions, even if it means sidelining Ben-Gvir and Smotrich.
On the night of Israel's election, President Donald Trump was already claiming victory, even before the results were clear. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had not secured a majority government, but Trump saw an opportunity to showcase his influence. After landing in Washington, the president seemed more optimistic about Netanyahu's performance than the official reports.
He stated that the endorsement might have helped Netanyahu, but also hinted at a potential "big come-from-behind stalemate" or even a "WIN" for Netanyahu. Trump's statement was attributed to a man named Irving C. Schwartz, but the attribution was later removed, causing confusion about whether it was President Trump's own words. The real question, however, is not whether Trump's endorsement altered the election outcome, but why he was so eager to take credit.
The answer lies in the broader Middle East strategy Trump is pursuing. Trump does not care about Israeli domestic politics and wants an Israeli government capable of making decisions and carrying them out. Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners, such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, may not be helpful for Trump's goals, as they have damaged Israel's international reputation.
Trump may prefer a broader, more moderate government in Israel, even if it includes figures from the center or center-left, as stability is more important to him than ideological alignment.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
