Israel's resumption of military operations in the Gaza Strip, which began three weeks ago and has resulted in over a thousand casualties, has shifted the political dynamics surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Previously, such actions would have prompted strong condemnation and calls for restraint from Western leaders, particularly from the United States under President Biden.
However, with President Biden no longer in office, the current administration under President Trump has signaled a departure from this approach. Trump has refrained from criticizing Netanyahu's military actions, allowing the Israeli leader greater political latitude. During a recent meeting in the Oval Office, Trump praised Netanyahu as a "great leader," but offered no support for military actions or relief from tariffs.
Analysts suggest that Netanyahu perceives an opportunity to act more freely in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria due to the lack of pressure from Washington. This has emboldened him to continue his controversial judicial reforms without fear of international backlash. Observers note that Israel has barred aid from entering Gaza for over a month, and Israeli forces remain active in southern Lebanon and Syria.
Netanyahu's administration has faced little opposition domestically regarding its military campaign, despite significant civilian casualties reported in Gaza. Critics highlight that Netanyahu has long positioned himself as a leader willing to defy global opinion to safeguard Israel, a stance that seems to have gained traction under Trump's presidency.
In contrast to Biden's previous criticisms, which included delays in military aid and calls for restraint, the current U.S. administration appears less concerned with the humanitarian implications of Israel's military actions. Trump's lack of engagement on the issue has been interpreted as tacit approval of Netanyahu's strategies.
Netanyahu's consolidation of power has been further illustrated by his recent decisions to remove threats within his coalition and his alignment with far-right rhetoric, including discussions around the potential deportation of Palestinians from Gaza. This shift in political discourse, once considered extreme, is now gaining traction with support from the U.S. administration.
As Europe grapples with its own political challenges and shifts in leadership, it has shown diminished concern for Netanyahu's actions, evidenced by incidents such as the barring of British MPs from entering Israel. The changing political landscape has contributed to a perception that Netanyahu feels increasingly empowered to pursue his agenda without the constraints that previously existed.
In summary, the evolving relationship between Netanyahu and the U.S. under Trump, combined with a lack of significant international pushback, has allowed the Israeli prime minister greater freedom to conduct military operations and pursue domestic reforms, reshaping the political landscape in both Israel and the broader region.