SExcitement and satisfaction were undoubtedly the dominant feelings in the corridors of the Israeli government at dawn on Wednesday, November 6, regarding the Americans' choice to place Donald Trump again in the Oval Office.
“Dear Donald and Melania Trump, congratulations on the greatest comeback in history! »Reacted Prime Minister Netanyahu. “Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful new commitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! » In signature: “Sincere friendships, all the best to you, Benyamin and Sara Netanyahu. »
We would almost forget Trump's outing with regard to “Bibi” in the interview given to journalist Barak Ravid and published in December 2021 in his book Trump's Peace : “The elections were stolen and Netanyahu is running to congratulate Biden… Fuck him. » Has Trump forgotten or forgiven what he considered ingratitude?
ALSO READ In Israel, why we hope for Trump's victoryThe ministers of the Israeli right-wing and far-right coalition hope so, and have even gone ahead of their Prime Minister to congratulate the 47e President of the United States of America even before he took the stage to give his consecration speech. On almost everyone's lips, like Netanyahu, the word “victory”. “Together, until total victory,” Likud Minister David Amsallem published on X.
“Defeat the axis of evil led by Iran”
“It is the time for sovereignty, for total victory,” declared the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, before adding: “It is the time here, in Israel, to pass the law of the death penalty for terrorists, all kinds of laws with which I have no doubt that the President of the United States will agree,” as if Trump could influence internal policy decisions. “Congratulations to the State of Israel and, with God's help, we will achieve total victory,” he added from the Knesset podium.
This “total victory” remains, it seems, subject to various interpretations. The new Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, estimated that the Jewish state and the United States would “strengthen their relationship, bring back the hostages and remain firm to defeat the axis of evil led by Iran” .
ALSO READ Donald Trump re-elected, Iran finds its “worst nightmare” And, between now and January 20, the date of Trump's inauguration and taking office, the daily estimates Yediot Aharonot that Israel “is entering a critical period…President Biden remains president in his own right and has the power to do whatever he wants.” We must take into account the possibility that he will take advantage of this period to settle scores with Netanyahu.”
As an example given, President Obama's decision, in 2016, to refrain from using the American veto in the United Nations Security Council and therefore not to block a resolution against the settlements, which had consequently been adopted. It was December 2016, less than a month before the end of Obama's term and the entry into the White House of the same Donald Trump. “It was then Obama's revenge against Netanyahu, who must now fear a similar scenario,” according to the newspaper's diplomatic affairs reporter, Itamar Eichner.
Feared Biden revenge
This distinction between the last two months under Biden and the next four years of Trump is made by most local journalists and analysts, all of whom are trying to decipher the latest statements of the president-elect with regard to the war in Gaza and Lebanon. “I will put an end to wars,” he declared.
How and under what conditions for Israel? What about the Iranian problem, regarding which Trump has raised the military option and the diplomatic option in recent weeks? What about a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia and therefore a political solution towards a Palestinian state demanded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman but which Netanyahu categorically opposes? Alongside the joy and relief of the Israeli Prime Minister at not having to work with Kamala Harris, who had called for a “distinction between the Israeli people and their government”, the difficulty, even the inability, to anticipate the Trump's unpredictable actions leave a slight worry in the air of Jerusalem.
To Discover
Kangaroo of the day
Answer
The Prime Minister's son, Yair Netanyahu, considered to be involved in his father's political affairs, is not worried. On the X network, he published a photo of himself alongside Trump with a caption in English, certainly to be understood by the person concerned: “Hallelujah! The most pro-Israeli president in American history is back! Wonderful day for Israel! Magnificent day for the free world! »
Two hours later, Hezbollah reminded Israelis that it will take more than an American election to end the war by firing two salvos of missiles within hours of each other towards Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Petah Tikvah and others cities in the center of the country.
