Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sees in US President Donald Trump’s May 22 visit to Israel not only a strategic opportunity to strengthen the ties and coordination between the two countries, but also an opportunity to strengthen his own political position in the country and within his right-wing coalition. Netanyahu will be a gracious host, overwhelming his guest with superlative compliments. The domestic public relations message will be: Only Netanyahu can create a close cooperative relationship with Trump and prevent US pressure on a two-state solution from the unpredictable American president.
Since Trump came into office, the relationship between the White House and the prime minister’s office is one of ongoing contact, with Israel’s Ambassador to Washington Ron Dermer and Trump’s closest adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner as key point people. Netanyahu and his associates are very relieved that the Barack Obama era is over, yet they are disappointed with Trump’s policy on settlements. His message against settlement expansion was sterner than Jerusalem expected, demanding restraint. Practically, this means building mainly within the already constructed areas of settlements. And so, Trump is not HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett’s dream come true.
A senior Israeli diplomat who heads his ministry’s representatives on the joint visit preparation team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the prime minister’s office, spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. He said that Jerusalem’s expectations for a successful visit are very high, stating, “Unlike Obama, Trump in our view has a positive gut feeling toward Israel. He admires success stories.” The official also said that beyond strengthening the personal ties and chemistry between Trump and Netanyahu, Israel hopes to achieve several goals during this visit.
Most important, Israel would like this visit to project to the Palestinians and to Arab countries that the Israeli-American axis is unbreakable. At the same time, Israel wants Trump to understand the extent of the pressure exerted by the Israeli right against a two-state solution. There is no doubt that Bennett will cooperate in this venture.
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