Negotiations with Iran are stuck because Trump has run out of cards. Every red line has been crossed, and Iran is dictating the rules. Against the backdrop of all the chatter about "love for Israel," the president continues to throw his greatest ally under the bus. There will be those who again portray the grim reality as an achievement, but the truth is that this is a terrifyingly weak president.
There is probably no way to sugarcoat the pill after the diplomatic circus we were subjected to on Sunday: Israel is being led by a sophisticated but blackmailable prime minister, trapped by his gamble from way back to put all his chips on Donald Trump; he himself is being led by that same Trump, who never ceases to surprise with the scale of his amateurism, his impatience and the fact that he is, quite simply, a terrifyingly weak president. Because what was in his post about the ceasefire? Fabrications (IDF forces were not on their way to Beirut), a deal that sells the fabrication in exchange for a real concession (the use of IDF force in response to Hezbollah's endless violations of the ceasefires), and above all, throwing an ally under the bus for the sake of "very good talks" with Hezbollah. Oh, how Ukraine understands us now.
This, incidentally, is an opportunity to recall: Beware of leaders who repeatedly remind us how much they love Israel. That simply has to set off warning lights. Why? Because at least some of them will use that card to turn an embrace into a chokehold. As one of the French marshals of the 17th century put it, although the line has been attributed elsewhere as well: "Lord, protect me from my friends. I can take care of my enemies myself."
Yes, this was always anticipated. Trump would love Israel until it got in the way of one of his grand plans. We expected this.
ReplyDeleteThe point is: Until now Trump has been completely supportive. Harris, from the moment she took power, would've cut Israel's weapon shipments and forced it into a terrible ceasefire with both Hamas and Hezbollah.
Reagan was a great friend of Israel, until Begin went into Beirut, and then they withheld delivery of F15s to Israel.
DeleteGeorge Bush and James baker were harsh on Israel.
Clinton was forcing Bibi to sign an agreement with yemach shmo Arafat harasha.
W was also tying Israel's hands in fighting back. Obama was obysmal .