Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described U.S. President Donald Trump as the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House, a characterization Trump himself has echoed as well. But as Trump tours the wealthy Gulf state monarchies this week, Israelis are watching from just a few hundred miles away, wondering exactly how much they should worry about their relationship with the U.S. president.
What used to be a lovefest has turned chilly, making Israelis nervous about what’s behind the change and what it presages. Has Trump simply had enough of Netanyahu, as have most Israelis, or is he turning away from Israel?
Is the shift a question of personalities, or is it the product of an ideological battle within the Trump administration, pitting isolationist MAGA figures who are skeptical of U.S. support for Israel against hawkish ones who believe Israel is a key ally whose strength also benefits the United States?