Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States comes at a critical juncture. Amid a backdrop of escalating conflict in Gaza and significant international criticism, Netanyahu’s engagements with both current and potential future US leaders reflect a calculated attempt to secure unwavering American support for Israel. His itinerary includes meetings with US President Joe Biden, likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump, illustrating a strategy to maintain US backing regardless of the upcoming election’s outcome.
Netanyahu’s visit aims to reassure his supporters that despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian casualties, Washington remains a steadfast ally. Chinese experts highlight that Trump’s potential return to power could be advantageous for Netanyahu, given Trump’s historically lenient stance on Israeli actions in Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s ambitious proposal for a “Middle East NATO” faces skepticism. The regional dynamics have shifted significantly, with Iran and Arab countries mending ties and the ongoing reconciliation process deemed irreversible.
In his nearly hour-long address to the US Congress, Netanyahu adopted a combative tone, criticizing protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza and labeling anti-Israel demonstrators as “Iran’s useful idiots.” He downplayed Israel’s responsibility in the conflict, instead focusing on the war effort and denouncing perceived adversaries like Iran, the International Criminal Court, and protesters. This rhetoric aimed to solidify support among US lawmakers, particularly Republicans who have historically shown stronger backing for Israel.
Netanyahu’s popularity has waned domestically, and his US visit serves as an opportunity to project himself as a global statesman. This visit, covered extensively by international media, is seen as a platform to bolster his image amid declining support at home. However, the US itself is witnessing widespread protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly on college campuses and in urban centers. Reports of protesters infiltrating Netanyahu’s hotel in Washington, DC, highlight the intensity of opposition he faces in the US.
The visit underscores the divergent stances of Republicans and Democrats on the Israel-Palestine conflict. While both parties support Israel, Democrats have shown increasing sympathy towards Palestinians, driven by the need to appeal to immigrant and left-wing voters. In contrast, Republicans maintain a more unconditional support for Israel’s actions. This political divide suggests that Netanyahu and his allies would prefer a Republican victory in the upcoming elections, as it would likely ensure continued support for Israel’s aggressive policies in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s meeting with Biden, scheduled for Thursday, and his subsequent meeting with Trump on Friday, are pivotal. These meetings aim to secure bipartisan support and ensure that Israel’s interests are safeguarded regardless of the election outcome. Experts, however, note that the Israel-Palestine issue is not a major topic for US voters, who are more concerned with domestic issues like the economy and immigration. Consequently, Netanyahu’s visit is expected to have a limited impact on the presidential election.
Strategic Narrative and Regional Dynamics
Apart from engaging with US political leaders, Netanyahu is pushing for US elites to adopt his narrative of Iran as the primary regional threat. His proposal for an “Abraham Alliance,” modeled after NATO, aims to consolidate a military bloc against Iran. However, this idea faces significant hurdles. The reconciliation between Iran and Arab countries, facilitated by China’s mediation, has changed the regional landscape. With Tehran now governed by moderate reformists, Netanyahu’s efforts to vilify Iran may fall flat.
The ongoing Gaza crisis has broader regional implications, spilling over into neighboring countries like Lebanon and Yemen. The firm military actions by Israel have exacerbated tensions, making it unlikely that Arab countries would join a military alliance with Israel. The focus of these countries has shifted towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and mitigating its regional impact, rather than aligning against Iran.
Netanyahu’s visit to the US is a complex diplomatic maneuver aimed at securing unwavering American support amid the Gaza conflict. By engaging with both current and potential future US leaders, Netanyahu seeks to ensure that Israel’s strategic interests remain protected regardless of the election outcome. However, the shifting regional dynamics and growing international criticism present significant challenges to his objectives. As the Gaza crisis continues to unfold, Netanyahu’s actions will be closely scrutinized, both domestically and internationally.
Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, and Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at Northwest University in Xi’an, provided critical insights into Netanyahu’s strategic visit. Their perspectives highlight the broader geopolitical implications and the evolving dynamics in the Middle East, emphasizing the challenges Netanyahu faces in achieving his objectives.
- Netanyahu’s Balancing Act: Meeting with both Biden and Trump to secure bipartisan support.
- Domestic and International Criticism: Protests and declining popularity at home.
- Regional Reconciliation: The irreversible reconciliation process between Iran and Arab countries.
- Proposed “Abraham Alliance”: Skepticism over the feasibility of a NATO-style alliance in the Middle East.
- Spillover Effects of Gaza Crisis: Regional concerns over the humanitarian crisis and its broader impact.
