Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent split with U.S. President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party did not occur overnight; rather, it was a culmination of years of strained relations and evolving political landscapes.
One of the key factors contributing to this split was Netanyahu’s close alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Throughout Trump’s administration, Netanyahu developed a strong bond with the American leader, particularly due to their shared conservative ideologies and hawkish approach towards foreign policy. This alliance benefitted Netanyahu politically, as Trump granted him significant concessions, such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and supporting Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. As a result, Netanyahu became increasingly reliant on Trump for his political survival, leading to a growing divide between the Israeli leader and the Democratic establishment, which viewed Trump skeptically.
Netanyahu’s ties with the Republican Party further exacerbated his disconnect with the Democrats. By openly embracing Republican figures and policies, such as his support for Trump’s controversial decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Netanyahu alienated many Democrats who viewed him as prioritizing partisan interests over the bipartisan relationship between the U.S. and Israel. This shift towards the GOP also strained Netanyahu’s relations with the American Jewish community, a traditionally Democratic-leaning demographic that questioned his alignment with a party perceived as increasingly divisive and polarizing.
Additionally, Netanyahu’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict contributed to his divergence from the Democratic Party under Biden’s leadership. Biden, who has expressed a commitment to pursuing a two-state solution and engaging in diplomatic efforts to address the conflict, diverges from Netanyahu’s hardline stance on issues such as Israeli settlements and Palestinian statehood. This misalignment has created friction between the two leaders, with Netanyahu facing criticism from the Biden administration for his approach towards the Palestinians and settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Furthermore, internal Israeli politics have played a significant role in driving a wedge between Netanyahu and the Democrats. Netanyahu’s pragmatic realignment with right-wing and nationalist parties in Israel, such as the Likud Party and the Religious Zionism alliance, has cemented his position within the Israeli political landscape. However, this shift towards a more conservative and uncompromising stance has clashed with the progressive views of many Democrats, who advocate for a more inclusive and conciliatory approach in Israeli politics.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s split with Biden and the Democrats was not an abrupt event but rather a culmination of years of diverging interests, shifting political dynamics, and evolving priorities. As Netanyahu continues to navigate the complex terrain of Israeli and American politics, his ability to bridge the growing gap between himself and the Democratic establishment remains uncertain.
