When US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett step out of the Oval Office this evening – smiling in front of the cameras – I hope for Israel's sake that we will also hear about disagreements between the two.
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We will soon know whether Bennett stood by Israeli interests or tried too hard to please his host. For if the two leaders emerge smiling from ear to ear, Bennett will most likely have failed to stand his ground on important issues, such as construction in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
If the impression is that the meeting went too well, it will most likely mean that the decisions that were made behind the scenes will not bode well for Israel.
Let us hope that Bennett will not shy away from speaking about issues vital for our country, and not just the Iranian threat. Hopefully, he understands that when it comes to Israel's security, sovereignty and the building of settlements, a leader must not shy away from expressing a firm stance, even if it goes against the wishes of a great ally.
In other words, it wouldn't hurt if Washington got the impression that "the new guy" is a bit of a "trouble maker;" that Bennett will not automatically agree to everything Biden says; that the US president will have to invest effort, listen to Bennett and take his opinions into account to gain his trust and cooperation; that a close friendship with the United States is not the end-all and be-all for Israel.
Therefore tonight, when the two leaders address the media, let us hope we can pick up on subtle disappointments and disagreements (although not too much). Then, we can be calm. Too many smiles, hugs and compliments would be a cause for concern.
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