Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s longstanding claim of unrivalled influence in Washington is facing scrutiny as US ties weaken. His close relationship with former President Trump, once a significant asset, now appears less reliable amid shifting political dynamics and growing criticism of Israel in the US.
As Netanyahu prepares for an election in late October and navigates a corruption trial, his upcoming visit to Washington is seen as a crucial moment. This meeting is intended to reassure both Israeli voters and US allies of his connection to Trump, despite increasing doubts about his effectiveness in managing US-Israel relations.
The backdrop of this visit includes concerns over Netanyahu’s handling of Israel’s settler movement and the potential sale of F-35s to Turkey, which has raised eyebrows in Congress. Analysts suggest that while Netanyahu hopes to leverage this meeting for political gain, his standing in the US is at a low point, complicating his efforts to present himself as a key player in US foreign policy.
Ultimately, Netanyahu’s ability to navigate these challenges may be hindered by the perception that he has burned bridges with both US leaders and the American public, leaving him vulnerable as he seeks to maintain his political power at home.
Source: Al Jazeera
