In a candid and exclusive interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized former U.S. President Donald Trump as the greatest friend the state of Israel has ever had. Netanyahu’s remarks come at a time when the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East remain as intricate as ever, underscoring the profound impact of Trump’s tenure on U.S.-Israel relations.
According to Netanyahu, Trump’s legacy with Israel is incomparable, marked by landmark decisions that have reshaped the region and solidified a long-standing alliance. Among those milestones cited by the prime minister were the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the move of the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and the pivotal role Trump played in facilitating the Abraham Accords.
Netanyahu emphasized that these actions were not merely symbolic but represented tangible steps that have bolstered Israel’s security and international standing. “To call him a friend almost feels like an understatement,” Netanyahu remarked. “He dared to take decisions that many of his predecessors only deliberated but never executed.”
Setting a Historical Precedent
Trump’s administration made headlines globally in 2017 with the formal recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a decision that reverberated throughout the international community. While the move was controversial and deemed provocative by critics, Netanyahu referred to it as “historic courage.” The subsequent relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem was another step that Netanyahu said sealed Trump’s commitment to the Jewish state.
Further amplifying Trump’s historic approach was his decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, an area of strategic significance to Israel and a region fraught with past conflict. Netanyahu celebrated the move as a game-changer for Israel’s regional security, particularly due to its implications vis-à-vis threats from Syria and allies of Iran.
Netanyahu also commended the 2020 Abraham Accords as a diplomatic triumph. Brokered largely under the stewardship of Trump’s administration, these agreements normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Netanyahu reflected on this initiative as a “paradigm shift” for Middle Eastern diplomacy and a development that had eluded global leaders for decades.
“When we talk about boundaries being broken and alliances being forged, the Abraham Accords are a testament to a vision that transcended skepticism,” Netanyahu said during the interview.
Support Amidst Global Trepidation
Netanyahu further recognized Trump’s alignment with Israel on key security issues. During his presidency, Trump took a hard stance against Iran, withdrawing the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal) and instituting a “maximum pressure” campaign through sanctions. Netanyahu had often been a vocal critic of the nuclear deal, aligning himself closely with Trump’s perspective on the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Such moves demonstrated what Netanyahu referred to as “uncompromising solidarity.” According to him, Trump’s administration approached Middle Eastern politics with a clarity and focus that he feels is unmatched.
“This was a president who understood Israel’s security challenges, respected our sovereignty, and never compromised on our right to self-defense,” Netanyahu continued.
Looking Ahead
While Netanyahu’s praise for Trump was unequivocal, the interview also touched briefly on the future of U.S.-Israel relations. Netanyahu was optimistic but cautious, stating that the foundation laid over the past several years must continue to be nurtured by current and future administrations. Indeed, Netanyahu has typically worked to maintain strong bipartisan support for Israel in Congress, even as the political discourse around the region grows increasingly divided.
He did not explicitly compare Trump’s achievements with those of subsequent presidents, focusing instead on how the legacy of these decisions will shape the decades to come.
Netanyahu voiced his hope that the U.S.-Israel alliance would not waver, irrespective of who holds office. “This is more than a diplomatic relationship,” he said. “It is a reflection of a shared history, common values, and mutual aspirations.”
While Netanyahu is no stranger to making headlines with his rhetoric, his high praise for Trump certainly underscores the unique political and personal dynamics between the two leaders. For Netanyahu, the chapter of U.S.-Israel ties under Trump will likely remain unparalleled—a benchmark against which all future alliances may be measured.
Broader Implications
The interview highlights the evolving priorities and complexities of international relations. Trump’s decisions, while lauded by some, spurred criticism in various corners of the international community. Nonetheless, for Israel’s leadership, the former U.S. president’s actions signal an era of unwavering alliance and unprecedented agreement on divergent issues.
As Netanyahu closed the interview, he reiterated, “History will remember those who took decisive actions when faced with tough choices. President Trump will forever be recognized as a true partner and friend of Israel.”
Only time will reveal the lasting impact of Trump’s policies on the Middle East. However, in Netanyahu’s eyes, they have already cemented a defining chapter in the annals of the U.S.-Israel partnership.
