When analyzing the behavior surrounding President Donald Trump‘s visit to West Asia, we should acknowledge three possibilities (and it could be a combination of two or three):
1. Trump has coordinated his moves with Netanyahu in order to get the maximum benefit from his trip (make Arab leaders feel they have a window of opportunity to make a deal while the US-Israel relationship looks strained).
2. Trump’s behavior is a test balloon to see how Israelis and pro-Israel Diaspora Jews react when it appears that Trump has turned on Israel.
3. The rift is real and Trump wants to replace Netanyahu with an Israeli leader more likely to compromise on Israeli interests to satisfy US interests (the most likely scenario).
Regardless of which of these (or which combination) is true, the correct response from Israel’s national camp should be to clearly express a readiness to walk away from the relationship.
If #1, it helps sell the lie.
If #2, it shows Trump we won’t take the abuse so he better not try.
If #3, it helps us to actually get free.
Like any victim of abuse in a toxic relationship, Israelis and our supporters abroad shouldn’t try to downplay the abuse or make excuses for our abuser. We need to show a genuine readiness to walk away.
