NETANYAHU and TRUMP Reunite: What’s at Stake for US-Israel Relations
— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet former President Trump on Friday at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting aims to repair their fractured relationship after Netanyahu congratulated President Biden following the 2020 election. Trump had expressed his displeasure, saying, “I haven’t spoken to him since,” and adding a harsh remark.
Netanyahu’s tweet congratulating Biden and Harris highlighted his long-standing relationship with Biden and expressed a desire to strengthen the US-Israel alliance. This move angered Trump, who felt betrayed by the Israeli leader’s swift acknowledgment of Biden’s victory.
In an effort to mend ties, Netanyahu praised Trump during a speech to Congress on Thursday. He thanked Trump for his leadership in brokering the Abraham Accords and condemned political violence against democracy.
The Abraham Accords, facilitated by Trump’s administration, normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Sunni Arab countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. Netanyahu’s tribute underscores the importance of Trump’s Middle East achievements in their upcoming meeting.