Arab Leaders Urge Donald Trump to Reconsider Support for Benjamin Netanyahu

A number of Arab leaders have reportedly urged United States President Donald Trump in private to reconsider his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A report released by Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN News, on Wednesday (15/7) local time stated that these leaders view Netanyahu as an impediment to the vision of peace in the Middle East region. According to the report, the Arab leaders described Netanyahu and his current government as an obstacle to realising the regional vision. Similar sentiments were also reported by the Israeli daily Haaretz, which quoted Arab diplomats familiar with the discussions. They stated that governments in the region increasingly see Netanyahu as a barrier to Trump’s diplomatic ambitions in the Middle East. Diplomatic sources revealed to Haaretz that several Arab leaders believe Trump is beginning to see Netanyahu as a hindrance to a broader regional arrangement. They explicitly conveyed to Trump their lack of confidence in both Netanyahu’s leadership and the composition of the current Israeli government. This report emerges as Israel prepares for a general election scheduled for late October. Governments across the region are reportedly closely monitoring the political contest, whilst seeking to influence Trump’s assessment of Israel’s future leadership. Although Trump continues to highlight his long-standing relationship with Netanyahu, he has also not infrequently levelled public criticism at the Prime Minister. Trump has signalled that he has not yet fully decided on the approach he will take regarding the Israeli election and is still observing other candidates. Last month, Trump stated that he was very likely to support Netanyahu again. However, the statement was followed by a note that he needed to see who else would run in the election. ‘I have a good relationship with Bibi (Netanyahu), but he needs to become more rational,’ Trump said. The Arab officials’ efforts to shape Trump’s perception are seen as a strategic move to determine the direction of US regional policy, especially as Israel stands on the brink of a crucial political transition.