Opinion
An Israeli evaluation of Trump's presidency
Itamar Eichner
Published: 24.12.18, 13:53
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19 Talkbacks for this article
1. good, and may it remain so
David   (12.25.18)
So far, Trump has been a good friend to Israel indeed. However it seems ominous that the PM keeps asking him to delay releasing his "deal of the century," rather than seeking to modify the parameters. It's especially ominous in light of recent reports that this deal may include a division of Jerusalem into three, with a Palestinian capital, and an internationally administered holy basin. It would be an unmitigated disaster, and even the proposal-- coming from a Republican US President-- would have disastrous political ramifications for years to come. Let us hope it is not so.
2. Never been better
MadDad ,   Johannesburg   (12.25.18)
Author forgot the disbanding of funds to UNWRA the single most responsible organization for perpetuating the conflict
Regarding Obamas generous gift - it came with some serious strings attached - spend only in America on the most expensive aircraft in service today which is still experimental
3. As far as Israel is concerned Trump is the friendliest POTUS
Steve Benassi ,   Minneapolis USA   (12.25.18)
The rest is media hype
4. The author has his priorities back to front.
Jake   (12.25.18)
For Israel, Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as it's capital, and moving the US embassy there, are fundamental issues for Israel, and how they are received by the palestinians and international community are not directly relevant to Israel.

By contrast, Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from eastern Syria beyond the Euphrates is a US decision not directly relevant to Israel. The area does not even border Israel, and it is Trump's right not to have American soldiers serve there indefinitely as "sitting ducks".
To say that withdrawing them is " throwing the Jewish state under the bus" is pure nastiness.
5. I wonder if the Jewish masses (Golem)are able to appreciate
(12.25.18)
this fact.
We don't value our exceptional PM either.
Some of us (many) do, but still: there're too many of the "only not Bibists",
just like the deranged Trump-haters in the US.
Human kind is dumb when concentrated in large masses.
So easy to 'herd'...just like the proverbial cattle.
6. An American Jew's Evaluation of Trump re Israel
Ed ,   USA   (12.25.18)
Moved a few offices from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, called it the embassy, and in the process ended any possible further credibility in any future peace talks. Style over Substance.

Announced an end to the Iran Deal (at least on the part of the USA). Ended any future possibility of the USA being taken seriously in any future negotiations with Iran. Shifts the power broker role to Russia, China, the EU. I recently attended an AIPAC event where the speaker who was a bigwig in the IDF said that withdrawal from the JCPOA was a bad move for Israel for multiple reasons.

Withdrawal from Syria. All you have to do is read coverage in Israeli press to gauge the concern for such a rash move that emboldens Iran, ISIS, and makes one easy land corridor for weapons to be sent to Hezbollah.

Nicky Haley at the UN has sometimes surprised me with some positive moves. But she's tired of explaining Trump's irrational role in the world and is leaving.

Trump is likely to be eventually indicted for criminal acts both before he ran for office, and during the election process ... not just something political via the impeachment route. His cabinet is in tatters, and the new congress will not allow him to act on his own. He is already becoming (hopefully) a lame duck even if he finishes this term. Netanyahu is facing bribery and other charges in three cases, and now there will be early elections.

And there are still people who are saying that this has been a good two years for Israel?

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