Disagreements with the Trump administration regarding Gaza, the Houthis, Iran, and Saudi Arabia represent positive developments for Israel. The absence of such differences would be cause for deep concern. The current confrontation with Washington is a constructive development that, under present circumstances, should not be lamented. Quite the opposite – considering Trump's current positions on various issues affecting Israel, it would be deeply troubling if there were no disputes and if Israel simply acquiesced to Trump's revised stances while failing to defend matters essential to its security and existence.
Should Israel accept a potentially flawed nuclear agreement with Iran and prioritize "relations with the Trump administration" above its security interests? When Saudi Arabia is poised to receive American approval for a civilian nuclear reactor without normalizing relations with Israel – a condition even Democratic administrations, not necessarily sympathetic to Israel, insisted upon – should Israel submit meekly? When suddenly, without coordination, moments after Ben Gurion Airport experienced the shock wave from a Houthi missile, the United States announces it will cease bombing the Houthis – should Israel simply disregard this development?
And most critically – Gaza. Consider what Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who maintains political neutrality, said just days ago regarding the vital importance of the planned ground operation there, "There is no alternative. It's imperative," he explained. "This approach will secure the hostages' return. We will defeat them. There's no possibility for an 'all for all' arrangement (a comprehensive deal). Hamas isn't sincere about this; they seek survival and are deliberately delaying. Our highest priority is returning the hostages. We will accomplish this now, with lasting impact for generations."
When the continuing campaign in Gaza – currently nothing is more essential to Israeli security, and yes, also to the safety of the hostages and their prospects – disrupts Trump's plans or timeline, should Israel consider adjusting its operations accordingly?
Learning to say "no"
While relations with the United States deserve respect – and they are indeed extremely important – matters affecting the security of every Israeli citizen are even more crucial, possibly necessitating confrontation if required, even with Trump, one of Israel's greatest friends who currently shows considerably less consideration for Israeli concerns, in the White House. This approach, incidentally, reflects his second-term behavior toward other US allies as well.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has developed expertise in managing disputes and tensions concerning vital Israeli interests with unfriendly Democratic administrations while maintaining Israel's position. His current challenge is more demanding, but Israel must remain steadfast and learn to navigate skillfully through disagreement, even with a supportive Republican administration that demonstrates affection for Israel.
The administration is led by a president who can be forceful and sometimes domineering, who has indeed benefited Israel thus far to an unprecedented degree compared to previous American presidents – yet even with such a president, operating without established boundaries is impossible. Israel must learn to say "no." Not exclusively to problematic Democratic administrations, but also to a Republican administration that embraces Israel. Without this capacity to refuse and maintain these essential disagreements, this embrace will rapidly transform into a constricting bear hug.
