Arab Leaders Urge Donald Trump to Reconsider Support for Benjamin Netanyahu
A number of Arab leaders have reportedly urged US President Donald Trump privately to reconsider his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A report released by Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN News, on Wednesday (15 July) local time stated that these leaders regard Netanyahu as an impediment to the peace vision in the Middle East region.
According to the report, the Arab leaders described Netanyahu and his current government as an obstacle to realising the vision for the region. Similar sentiment was also reported by the Israeli daily Haaretz, which cited Arab diplomats familiar with the discussions. They stated that governments across the region increasingly view Netanyahu as a hindrance to Trump’s diplomatic ambitions in the Middle East.
Diplomatic sources revealed to Haaretz that several Arab leaders believe Trump has begun to see Netanyahu as an obstacle to a broader regional settlement. They explicitly conveyed to Trump their lack of confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership as well as the composition of Israel’s current government.
The report emerges amid Israel’s preparations for a general election scheduled for late October. Governments across the region are reportedly monitoring the political contest closely, 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 hesitated to level public criticism at the Prime Minister. Trump signalled that he has not fully decided on the approach he will take regarding the Israeli election and is still monitoring other candidates.
Last month, Trump said it was highly likely he would support Netanyahu again. However, that statement came with the caveat that he needed to see who else would run. “I have a good relationship with Bibi (Netanyahu), but he has to become more rational,” Trump said.
The Arab officials’ efforts to shape Trump’s perception are seen as a strategic move in determining the direction of US regional policy, particularly as Israel stands on the brink of a crucial political transition. (The Jerusalem Post/I-2)