Iran and Gaza: Why Trump's backing of Netanyahu may come with strings attached
Netanyahu could offer Trump several concessions: hold off on striking Iran until after the Nov. 3 US midterms, ease restrictions on Gaza’s reconstruction or crack down on settler violence in the West Bank.
TEL AVIV — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied Monday that he had promised President Donald Trump anything in exchange for his endorsement Sunday. Yet diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor that the move could benefit both leaders and that whether or not a deal was struck, Netanyahu may now owe Trump a political favor.
Channel 13 reported Sunday that Netanyahu had agreed the previous week to allow partial reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. In an interview with Channel 14, Netanyahu denied striking a deal with Washington. Still, diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor that Netanyahu’s associates had been in close contact with the White House for several days, pressing for Trump’s endorsement.
Trump’s shift
On Oct. 15, Trump was asked by Newsmax interviewer Rob Finnerty whether he intended to get involved in Israel’s elections. “Well, they’d like me to be. Yeah, they’d like me to be,” he replied. Asked whether he trusted Netanyahu, Trump said, “I don’t trust anybody, honestly.” Although he stopped short of endorsing the prime minister, Trump said the two had enjoyed “a very successful partnership” in military matters.
