Donald Trump's Inflammatory Video Targeting Netanyahu

Just weeks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed a "very friendly, warm" discussion with Donald Trump about hostage negotiations and Syria policy, the president-elect has shared inflammatory video content calling Netanyahu a "deep, dark son of a bitch."

The video, posted to Trump's Truth Social platform, features economist Jeffrey Sachs accusing Netanyahu of manipulating US foreign policy and orchestrating "endless wars" in the Middle East. Sachs claims Netanyahu has pursued a systematic strategy since 1995 to eliminate Hamas and Hezbollah by targeting their supporting governments in Iraq, Iran, and Syria.

Trump's motivation for promoting the video remains unclear. However, it comes amidst intensive diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the current US administration to broker a truce deal that would include hostage releases. Additionally, Trump's decision coincides with his assembling of a "dream team" of hardline supporters of Israel, including Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, Elise Stefanik for UN Ambassador, and Mike Huckabee for Ambassador to Israel.

Trump's relationship with Netanyahu has historically been one of mutual benefit, though unpredictable and transactional. During Trump's first term, he delivered significant diplomatic wins for Netanyahu, including recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and supporting the Abraham accords with Gulf states. However, their relationship soured after Trump lost the 2020 elections and Netanyahu congratulated Biden, prompting Trump to declare, "I haven't spoken to [the Israeli leader] since. Fuck him."

Trump's return to office could prove advantageous for Netanyahu's expansionist policies, particularly regarding settlement expansion and potential annexation in the West Bank. The Israeli government has not yet responded to the video.

Sachs, while not advising Trump, expressed hope that the video signals a shift in US foreign policy. He stated, "I do not know Trump's disposition on these issues, but I do very much hope that he frees US foreign policy from the grip of the cruel, ineffective, illegal and destructive policies of Netanyahu.