In the world of politics, deals and agreements are often made behind closed doors, and sometimes they are as fragile as they are crucial. One such deal was recently struck between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump convinced Netanyahu to agree to a deal that could shape the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and change the course of Middle Eastern politics. However, the question now is: Can Trump keep Netanyahu onboard with this deal, or will it unravel?
The Deal That Was Struck
The deal in question revolves around the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations. This agreement, known as the Abraham Accords, was signed in 2020, with Trump playing a key role in brokering the deal. It aimed to establish diplomatic ties between Israel and countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. The goal was to promote peace in the region by fostering new alliances and economic cooperation.
Netanyahu, under pressure from Trump, agreed to the deal. It was seen as a major breakthrough for Israel, as it paved the way for improved relations with the Arab world. The deal was framed as a historic step towards peace and stability in the Middle East. For Netanyahu, it was an opportunity to strengthen Israel’s position in the region and gain new allies.
Netanyahu’s Support: Why Did He Agree?
At the time, Netanyahu’s agreement to the deal was seen as a strategic move. Israel had long faced opposition from many Arab nations, particularly over the Palestinian issue. However, the Abraham Accords offered Netanyahu a chance to shift the focus away from the Palestinians and instead build relationships with key Arab nations that had once been hostile to Israel.
The deal was also politically beneficial for Netanyahu. It helped him gain support from the U.S. and other international players, who saw the normalization of relations as a step forward in the Middle East peace process. By agreeing to the deal, Netanyahu could also claim a diplomatic victory, showing that Israel was making strides toward peace in the region, even without resolving the long-standing Palestinian conflict.
Can Trump Keep Netanyahu Onboard?
While the deal was struck, the question now is whether Trump can keep Netanyahu on board with the agreement in the long term. Netanyahu, who has faced his own political challenges in Israel, may be tempted to shift his stance depending on changes in domestic and international politics. Israel’s relationship with Palestine remains a critical issue, and if Netanyahu feels that the deal is not delivering the promised results, he might reconsider his position.
Another factor that could influence Netanyahu’s commitment to the deal is the changing political landscape in the U.S. With Joe Biden now in the White House, Trump’s influence on Israeli politics has weakened. Biden has taken a more cautious approach towards Israel and Palestine, emphasizing a two-state solution. Netanyahu may find it harder to maintain his alliance with Trump if the U.S. policy shifts further away from Trump’s vision.
The Palestinian Factor
The most significant challenge to keeping Netanyahu onboard with the deal is the unresolved issue of Palestine. While the Abraham Accords improved Israel’s relations with several Arab countries, it did not address the core issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu’s right-wing government has continued to take a tough stance on Palestinian territories, and the peace process has remained stalled.
For Netanyahu, balancing his political base, which includes strong support from pro-settlement groups, with the demands of international diplomacy is a delicate task. If Netanyahu feels that the deal with Arab nations is not leading to any meaningful progress on the Palestinian front, he may start to distance himself from it. This could create tension between him and the countries that signed the Accords, as well as with the U.S., which has pushed for a two-state solution.
The Role of Trump’s Legacy
As the former president, Trump’s legacy in the Middle East continues to influence the region’s politics. His push for normalization between Israel and the Arab nations was a major achievement, but it was also driven by his personal style of diplomacy, which often relied on bold, unpredictable moves. Now that he is no longer in office, the question remains whether his influence can continue to shape the region.
Netanyahu, who has enjoyed a close relationship with Trump, may find it difficult to maintain that relationship in the absence of the former president’s direct influence. As Trump continues to focus on his political future, Netanyahu may look to new alliances and diplomatic avenues to secure Israel’s interests.
Conclusion
The deal that Trump convinced Netanyahu to take is a significant moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy. However, the true test lies in whether Netanyahu can stay committed to the deal in the face of changing political pressures. As the situation evolves, both Netanyahu and Trump will face challenges in keeping the agreement intact. The Middle East remains a region of deep complexities, and only time will tell whether this historic deal will lead to lasting peace or if it will unravel due to shifting alliances and unresolved issues.