At a briefing for foreign correspondents Sept. 1, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid surprised everyone with his outspoken criticism of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was just over a day after the last American soldier left that country. US President Joe Biden was still facing mounting public criticism of the withdrawal. To many it seemed as if the Americans were leaving Afghanistan with their tail between their legs.

“I think the entire globe was concerned, and first and foremost the Americans themselves [about the way the withdrawal played out]. It didn’t happen the way it was supposed to happen. … It was probably the right decision that maybe wasn’t performed in the right manner,” Lapid told the group of journalists.

It was painful to hear, particularly since Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had just gotten back from a visit to the White House, where he received an especially warm welcome. Biden made sure to spend time with Bennett, even though the crisis in Afghanistan was nearing its climax.

Lapid holds the title of alternate prime minister, and he will be replacing Bennett in less than two years, i.e., any comments he makes have high visibility. This raises the question: What political value could such a critical assessment of Israel’s closest friend and ally have, especially when that friend is facing a crisis?