Former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet for the first time in nearly four years on Friday, in an effort to mend their strained relationship. The meeting comes after Netanyahu quickly congratulated President Joe Biden on his 2020 victory, leading to a breakdown in relations between the two leaders.
The meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate will serve as a political gamble for Netanyahu, who has spent years aligning himself with the Republican Party. Both leaders have an interest in getting past their differences and presenting themselves as strong leaders on the world stage.
For Netanyahu, repairing relations with Trump is crucial as the former president remains a strong contender for the 2024 election. Trump, on the other hand, aims to solidify his image as an ally and statesman, boosting efforts by Republicans to position themselves as the party most loyal to Israel.
The meeting comes at a time when divisions among Americans over U.S. support for Israel are emerging, challenging decades of bipartisan backing for the country. Both leaders will aim to highlight their past accomplishments, including the normalization deals brokered by the Trump administration between Israel and Arab nations.
Despite their previous rift, both leaders have expressed mutual admiration for each other’s actions while in office. Trump has criticized Netanyahu for his handling of the war in Gaza but praised him for his loyalty. The meeting is expected to be closely watched by political observers and could have significant implications for U.S.-Israeli relations in the future.
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