Trump’s ‘Whether people like Israel or not’ reveals shifting US stance

The Jerusalem Post views President Trump's recent social media post about Israel with a mixture of pride and concern. While the praise for Israel as a "GREAT Ally" is undoubtedly welcome, especially coming from a US president, the opening six words – "Whether people like Israel or not" – carry significant weight.

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Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally of the United States of America. They are Courageous, Bold, Loyal, and Smart, and, unlike others that have shown their true colors in a moment of conflict and stress, Israel fights hard and knows how to WIN!

This phrasing, even from a staunch supporter like Trump, suggests a recognition that Israel's position in American public opinion is no longer universally accepted. It highlights a troubling trend where Israel has become a subject of debate rather than a point of bipartisan agreement. The emphasis on Israel's performance – being "Courageous, Bold, Loyal, and Smart" and knowing "how to WIN" – rather than shared values, indicates a shift towards a more transactional relationship.

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Whether people like Israel or not.

From an Israeli perspective, this evolution is concerning. While the article acknowledges the rise of negative views towards Israel, particularly among Democrats, seeing this sentiment acknowledged so plainly by a US president is jarring. It underscores the need for Israel to navigate an increasingly complex and polarized American political landscape, where its status as an ally is increasingly contingent on its perceived utility rather than shared ideals. This dynamic is uniquely important for Israelis to understand, as it directly impacts their security and international standing.

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Israel has just fought shoulder to shoulder – or, more precisely, wing to wing – with the US in a way the American military can only hope its allies would. Yet even in that context, Trump felt the need to begin with a caveat.