Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took steps to restore their relationship on Saturday during a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, marking their first meeting since Trump left the White House more than three years ago.
The meeting, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, comes amid heightened international scrutiny and pressure on Netanyahu over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Trump, who has urged Israel to end the conflict quickly, emphasized his continued support for Israel and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her “radical” and unfriendly towards Israel. He also asserted that he would be a more steadfast ally to Israel than Harris.
Netanyahu also expressed cautious optimism about progress toward a cease-fire deal for Gaza, as he neared the end of a contentious US visit that showcased growing American divisions over the Israeli-Hamas war.
During his presidency, Trump supported Netanyahu by relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He recently told Fox News that Israel should finish the war and expedite the return of hostages, criticizing Israel’s public relations efforts.
Warm welcome and political jabs
The former president and Republican nominee greeted Netanyahu warmly at his Mar-a-Lago estate, describing Harris as unfriendly towards Israel.
Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, appeared to signal a shift in tone regarding the Israel-Gaza war after her meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, where she vowed to “not be silent” about Palestinian suffering. In response, Trump labelled her comments as “disrespectful” and targeting her stance on an issue that has caused division within the Democratic party.
“They weren’t very nice pertaining to Israel,” Trump remarked. “I actually don’t know how a person who is Jewish could vote for her, but that’s up to them.”
Netanyahu, however, is under increasing international pressure regarding Israel’s military actions, and his trip aimed at solidifying support faced significant challenges.
In a Fox News interview on Thursday, Trump criticized the prolonged conflict in Gaza, saying, “It can’t continue to go on like this. It’s too long. It’s too much.” Harris and President Joe Biden, who also met with Netanyahu on Thursday, reiterated their call for a ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Progress toward cease-fire
Meeting face-to-face for the first time in nearly four years, Netanyahu and Trump discussed US-mediated efforts for a cease-fire and the release of hostages. “I hope so,” Netanyahu said when asked if his US trip had made progress.
At home, Netanyahu faces increasing accusations of resisting a deal to end the 9-month-old war to avoid the potential collapse of his far-right government. “I’m certainly eager to have one. And we’re working on it,” he added.
Netanyahu’s position and international reactions
Netanyahu, without directly criticizing Harris, said that a ceasefire would be achievable only if Hamas recognized the unity between Israel and the United States, expressing hope that Harris’s comments would not disrupt this perception.
Trump, reiterating his long-standing support for Israel, questioned how Jewish Americans could vote for Harris, saying, “I actually don’t know how a person who’s Jewish can vote for her, but that’s up to them.”
Trump also warned of the rising threat of a third world war, emphasizing his belief that only he could prevent it. “You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the Second World War,” he claimed.
Restoring political alliances
Trump, who as president had strongly supported Netanyahu’s policies, saw relations sour after Netanyahu quickly congratulated Joe Biden on his 2020 presidential victory over Trump. However, both leaders now seek to revive their alliance for the political support and conservative luster it brings.
A beaming Trump greeted Netanyahu on the stone steps of his Palm Beach estate, warmly clasping the Israeli leader’s hands. “We’ve always had a great relationship,” Trump told journalists. Asked if Netanyahu’s visit was repairing their bond, Trump responded, “It was never bad.”
Reconciliation and strong leadership on display
For both leaders, Friday’s meeting was an opportunity to present themselves as strong leaders capable of significant achievements on the world stage. Netanyahu’s Florida trip followed a fiery address to Congress, defending his government’s conduct of the war and condemning American protesters reacting to the conflict’s toll on Palestinian lives.
Despite their past alignment, Trump was reportedly irked by Netanyahu’s congratulations to Biden after the 2020 election, which Trump falsely claims was stolen. Recently, Trump has softened his criticism of Netanyahu, especially following the October 7 attack on Israel.
US officials indicate that negotiations with Hamas are nearing a deal, with Netanyahu hinting at a possible resolution. However, significant differences remain, particularly regarding the timing and conditions for ending the war. Israel’s defense agencies are concerned that Netanyahu’s new demands, including stringent security screenings, might jeopardize the ceasefire negotiations.
Meeting with US leadership
In Washington, Netanyahu met with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who pressed him to finalize a cease-fire and release hostages held by Hamas. Trump’s campaign said he pledged to “make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East” and combat antisemitism on college campuses if elected president.
Symbolic gesture
Netanyahu presented Trump with a framed photo of a child held hostage by Hamas since the war’s outset. “We’ll get it taken care of,” Trump assured him.
The meeting allowed Trump to bolster his image as a statesman and ally of Israel, emphasizing the Republican Party’s loyalty to the nation amid growing American divisions over support for the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Strategic implications for Netanyahu
For Netanyahu, repairing ties with Trump is critical given the possibility of Trump’s return to the presidency, which would be vital for Israel’s arms supply and protection. Netanyahu might also seek better terms in a Gaza cease-fire and normalization deal with Saudi Arabia by waiting out the Biden administration, hoping for a Trump victory.
“Benjamin Netanyahu has spent much of his career in the last two decades in tethering himself to the Republican Party,” said Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat for Arab-Israeli negotiations. For the next six months, that means “mending ties with an irascible, angry president,” he added, referring to Trump.
Historic diplomatic achievements
Netanyahu and Trump last met at a 2020 White House signing ceremony for a significant diplomatic achievement: the normalization accords between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. This historic agreement marked a major step toward easing regional tensions and broadening economic ties with Arab neighbors.
Looking ahead
In public statements following their fallout, Trump has criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and other issues. However, in his speech to Congress and again at Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu praised Trump for historic regional accords and long-sought actions by Israel, such as US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and declaring Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
“I appreciated that,” Trump told “Fox & Friends” on Friday, referring to Netanyahu’s praise. Trump has urged Israel to “finish the job” in Gaza and destroy Hamas, though he has not detailed how this should be achieved.
The meeting, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, comes amid heightened international scrutiny and pressure on Netanyahu over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Trump, who has urged Israel to end the conflict quickly, emphasized his continued support for Israel and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her “radical” and unfriendly towards Israel. He also asserted that he would be a more steadfast ally to Israel than Harris.
Netanyahu also expressed cautious optimism about progress toward a cease-fire deal for Gaza, as he neared the end of a contentious US visit that showcased growing American divisions over the Israeli-Hamas war.
During his presidency, Trump supported Netanyahu by relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He recently told Fox News that Israel should finish the war and expedite the return of hostages, criticizing Israel’s public relations efforts.
Warm welcome and political jabs
The former president and Republican nominee greeted Netanyahu warmly at his Mar-a-Lago estate, describing Harris as unfriendly towards Israel.
Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, appeared to signal a shift in tone regarding the Israel-Gaza war after her meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, where she vowed to “not be silent” about Palestinian suffering. In response, Trump labelled her comments as “disrespectful” and targeting her stance on an issue that has caused division within the Democratic party.
“They weren’t very nice pertaining to Israel,” Trump remarked. “I actually don’t know how a person who is Jewish could vote for her, but that’s up to them.”
Netanyahu, however, is under increasing international pressure regarding Israel’s military actions, and his trip aimed at solidifying support faced significant challenges.
In a Fox News interview on Thursday, Trump criticized the prolonged conflict in Gaza, saying, “It can’t continue to go on like this. It’s too long. It’s too much.” Harris and President Joe Biden, who also met with Netanyahu on Thursday, reiterated their call for a ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Progress toward cease-fire
Meeting face-to-face for the first time in nearly four years, Netanyahu and Trump discussed US-mediated efforts for a cease-fire and the release of hostages. “I hope so,” Netanyahu said when asked if his US trip had made progress.
At home, Netanyahu faces increasing accusations of resisting a deal to end the 9-month-old war to avoid the potential collapse of his far-right government. “I’m certainly eager to have one. And we’re working on it,” he added.
Netanyahu’s position and international reactions
Netanyahu, without directly criticizing Harris, said that a ceasefire would be achievable only if Hamas recognized the unity between Israel and the United States, expressing hope that Harris’s comments would not disrupt this perception.
Trump, reiterating his long-standing support for Israel, questioned how Jewish Americans could vote for Harris, saying, “I actually don’t know how a person who’s Jewish can vote for her, but that’s up to them.”
Trump also warned of the rising threat of a third world war, emphasizing his belief that only he could prevent it. “You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the Second World War,” he claimed.
Restoring political alliances
Trump, who as president had strongly supported Netanyahu’s policies, saw relations sour after Netanyahu quickly congratulated Joe Biden on his 2020 presidential victory over Trump. However, both leaders now seek to revive their alliance for the political support and conservative luster it brings.
A beaming Trump greeted Netanyahu on the stone steps of his Palm Beach estate, warmly clasping the Israeli leader’s hands. “We’ve always had a great relationship,” Trump told journalists. Asked if Netanyahu’s visit was repairing their bond, Trump responded, “It was never bad.”
Reconciliation and strong leadership on display
For both leaders, Friday’s meeting was an opportunity to present themselves as strong leaders capable of significant achievements on the world stage. Netanyahu’s Florida trip followed a fiery address to Congress, defending his government’s conduct of the war and condemning American protesters reacting to the conflict’s toll on Palestinian lives.
Despite their past alignment, Trump was reportedly irked by Netanyahu’s congratulations to Biden after the 2020 election, which Trump falsely claims was stolen. Recently, Trump has softened his criticism of Netanyahu, especially following the October 7 attack on Israel.
US officials indicate that negotiations with Hamas are nearing a deal, with Netanyahu hinting at a possible resolution. However, significant differences remain, particularly regarding the timing and conditions for ending the war. Israel’s defense agencies are concerned that Netanyahu’s new demands, including stringent security screenings, might jeopardize the ceasefire negotiations.
Meeting with US leadership
In Washington, Netanyahu met with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who pressed him to finalize a cease-fire and release hostages held by Hamas. Trump’s campaign said he pledged to “make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East” and combat antisemitism on college campuses if elected president.
Symbolic gesture
Netanyahu presented Trump with a framed photo of a child held hostage by Hamas since the war’s outset. “We’ll get it taken care of,” Trump assured him.
The meeting allowed Trump to bolster his image as a statesman and ally of Israel, emphasizing the Republican Party’s loyalty to the nation amid growing American divisions over support for the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Strategic implications for Netanyahu
For Netanyahu, repairing ties with Trump is critical given the possibility of Trump’s return to the presidency, which would be vital for Israel’s arms supply and protection. Netanyahu might also seek better terms in a Gaza cease-fire and normalization deal with Saudi Arabia by waiting out the Biden administration, hoping for a Trump victory.
“Benjamin Netanyahu has spent much of his career in the last two decades in tethering himself to the Republican Party,” said Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat for Arab-Israeli negotiations. For the next six months, that means “mending ties with an irascible, angry president,” he added, referring to Trump.
Historic diplomatic achievements
Netanyahu and Trump last met at a 2020 White House signing ceremony for a significant diplomatic achievement: the normalization accords between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. This historic agreement marked a major step toward easing regional tensions and broadening economic ties with Arab neighbors.
Looking ahead
In public statements following their fallout, Trump has criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and other issues. However, in his speech to Congress and again at Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu praised Trump for historic regional accords and long-sought actions by Israel, such as US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and declaring Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
“I appreciated that,” Trump told “Fox & Friends” on Friday, referring to Netanyahu’s praise. Trump has urged Israel to “finish the job” in Gaza and destroy Hamas, though he has not detailed how this should be achieved.
Source Agencies
