Former ambassador Herzog warns Israel’s influence in Washington has diminished sharply under Trump

Israel's influence on U.S. decision-making has "diminished greatly" under President Donald Trump, and the relationship between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump has lost some of its former intimacy, according to former ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog.

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I think something in the intimacy of the relationship has been damaged.

Herzog, speaking in an interview with 103FM, commented on Netanyahu's declaration that his meeting with Trump was one of their "best meetings ever." He suggested that while Netanyahu has a political interest in presenting the meeting positively, especially ahead of elections, the reality was more nuanced. "I think something in the intimacy of the relationship has been damaged," Herzog said.

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The achievement lies in the fact that he did not come to us with criticism or specific demands. He did not tell us, ‘Get out of Lebanon or Syria.’ They apparently discussed options for what to do regarding Iran, but that was not where the important decisions were made.

He characterized the meeting as more important for its occurrence than for any significant outcomes, noting that Trump did not issue specific demands or criticisms. "The achievement lies in the fact that he did not come to us with criticism or specific demands. He did not tell us, ‘Get out of Lebanon or Syria.’ They apparently discussed options for what to do regarding Iran, but that was not where the important decisions were made."

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There is always value in direct contact between leaders.

Herzog explained that important decisions are rarely made in large, crowded meetings. He interpreted Trump's actions, such as Netanyahu entering through a side entrance and the absence of a one-on-one meeting or press conference, as signals that Trump wanted to maintain distance. "In diplomatic code, the fact that the prime minister entered through a side entrance, that there was no press, and that there was no one-on-one meeting means that Trump wanted to avoid keeping him too close," he added.

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But it was not what they tried to portray to us, as though there had been some breakthrough or something amazing. Netanyahu clearly has an interest in presenting it as a good meeting and correcting the impression that the relationship has deteriorated. But it must be seen in the proper perspective.