JNS
A new Marshall Plan could change the geopolitical and economic situation.
The mission of an Israeli prime minister is undoubtedly among the most difficult, complex and thankless on the planet. However, after truces put into place in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip—and with Israeli hostages coming home—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can feel some relief as he visits the White House.
He is being received by an American president who shares similar values and opinions on political, diplomatic and economic levels. The importance of this meeting is therefore inspired, above all, by a change in tone, style and form from the Biden administration. Alchemy in personal relationships is a considerable asset in diplomacy.
More than ever, the United States realizes that the Jewish state is truly its only faithful ally in the region and that without its military power, its intelligence services and its democratic values, the entire Middle East would plunge into chaos. In this way, Israel should be strengthened, comforted and admired.
Still, Jerusalem must be careful about what it does. U.S. President Donald Trump is not a diplomat but an ambitious businessman who wants to make “deals”—good deals—and always win the game.
During his next four years in the White House, Trump will want to solidify his mark on the history of the United States and international relations. The Middle East remains the most complex challenge toward that goal. A new Marshall Plan could completely change the geopolitical and economic situation. In this context, the reconstruction of Lebanon, Syria and Gaza is essential, to be conditioned by investments from Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, as well as normalization with Israel. Thus, the accomplishment of the 2020 Abraham Accords can be put on track more clearly and pragmatically, managed by large experienced companies.
Trump has proven that he is a great friend of Israel under certain conditions. He intends to support the Jewish state in international bodies, impose his veto in the U.N. Security Council and ward off attempts by the Arabs to delegitimize or boycott Israel. He will fight fiercely against the scourge of antisemitism. He will work hand in hand with Netanyahu in the fight against terrorism and be more vigilant than his predecessor on the Iranian threat. However, he will always demand the bill and a statement of facts on the ground. Netanyahu will not get any free lunches from the Americans, and it’s a logical and fair method.
In this favorable and satisfying context, the Israeli prime minister will be put to the test. He will have to prove his capabilities as a statesman, and present a clear and coherent strategy on the burning issues; specifically, how will he resolve the Palestinian problem and obtain a viable solution that will satisfy all parties? To accomplish this, Netanyahu will have to show boldness and great firmness toward political opponents within his own coalition. Certainly, his health problems and the ongoing personal trial investigations worry him, but they should in no way change his behavior and conduct in state affairs.
A bold Israeli plan, coordinated and approved by the United States, will have the approval of the overwhelming majority of Israelis.
