During a recent meeting at Donald Trump’s Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reached out to rejuvenate ties with the former US president and expressed cautious hope for the advancement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The encounter marked the duo’s first in-person interaction in nearly four years, during which Netanyahu declared his desire for the US-backed discussions to lead to a successful ceasefire and release of captives.
Being questioned about his visit’s accomplishments, Netanyahu responded positively. Despite facing growing domestic criticism for allegedly evading a treaty intended to terminate the nine-month-long war, primarily to prevent his far-right administration from potential dissolution, he affirmed his readiness to reach a deal. “We’re committed to achieving it,” he stated categorically on Friday.
Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago was perceived as a possible positive sign regarding the Gaza ceasefire. However, it drew criticism from Kamala Harris, who had been vocal about her desire for an expedient conclusion to the Gaza conflict. The Israeli Prime Minister has been under public scrutiny for his recent comments made to the US Congress.
While in power, Trump’s favour to Netanyahu surpassed that granted by previous US presidents, but their relationship suffered a setback when Netanyahu was amongst the first global leaders to acknowledge Joe Biden’s 2020 election win, a fact Trump continues to dispute.
Both leaders now see mutual benefits in a resurgent alliance, appealing to their political blocs and providing each with an additional advantage amongst their conservative followers.
Trump, looking pleased, greeted Netanyahu on the stone staircase of his private Palm Beach residence, warmly welcoming the Israeli leader. Reasserting their personal rapport, Trump confirmed: “Our bond has always been strong,” dismissing any rumours of their strained ties, insisting: “It was never bad.”
This recent in-person engagement serves to emphasise both leaders’ projections of themselves as influential figures who have achieved significant global accomplishments and are capable of repeating their successes.
Mr. Netanyahu set off for Florida after delivering a passionate speech in a Congress meeting on Wednesday, where he justified his administration’s actions during the war and criticised American protesters who were inspired by over 39,000 Palestinian deaths during the conflict.
The Israeli leader had a meeting in Washington with Mr. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the subsequent Thursday. Harris seems to be set to become the Democratic nominee for President, following Mr. Biden’s decision to step down. Both of them emphasised the need for Mr. Netanyahu to expedite ceasefire negotiations and the liberation of hostages held captive by Hamas.
Mr. Trump’s campaign relayed his promise, made during their meeting on Friday, to commit wholeheartedly to establishing peace in the Middle East and tackling anti-Semitism in American universities if he is elected President in the upcoming November election.
During their meeting, Mr. Netanyahu gifted Mr. Trump with a framed photograph of a child taken hostage by Hamas-led militants since the war’s inception. Mr. Trump reassured him that the situation would be dealt with.
Later on Friday, Mr. Trump questioned in a speech to young Christian conservatives how any Jewish individual or anyone supportive of Israel could support the Democrats. He criticised Harris for her absence during Netanyahu’s speech, accusing her of disliking Jewish people and Israel – despite her being married to a Jewish man for ten years.
The meeting served as an opportunity for Mr. Trump to position himself as a statesman and ally, while reinforcing the Republican party’s claim to be the most loyal supporters of Israel.
The prevalent divide among Americans surrounding USA’s provision of aid to Israel during its war against Hamas in Gaza, has led to some questioning of the traditionally robust bipartisan support for Israel, the top recipient of US assistance.
From Netanyahu’s perspective, it is crucial to mend relations with Trump, especially given the possibility of him returning to the US presidency position – a critical supporter and arms provider for Israel. A risky move for Netanyahu would be waiting out the Biden administration in anticipation of a Trump victory, to get a better deal on a Gaza ceasefire, hostage release, and expected conclusion of a normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia.
Former US diplomat for Arab-Israeli negotiations and current senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Aaron David Miller, has alluded to Binyamin Netanyahu’s significant allegiance with the Republican Party over the past twenty years. According to him, Netanyahu’s next half a year will consist of undertaking the task of repairing his relationship with a volatile and incensed president – referring, of course, to Mr Trump.