Trump thinks he’s winning. He’s the last to realise he’s lost

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating that this goal would remain unchanged whether or not negotiations with Washington and Arab states succeed. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized that as long as he holds office, Iran will not possess nuclear capabilities, a stance consistent with his longstanding allegations against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The remarks came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Israel launching renewed strikes in southern Lebanon as part of a broader regional conflict. These actions occur alongside a U.S.-brokered framework deal aimed at securing Israeli troop withdrawals in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining Israel’s security interests underscores the precarious balance between diplomacy and military action in the region. In separate remarks, Netanyahu reiterated his determination to safeguard Israel’s sovereignty, declaring that “Israel's existence is not subject to negotiation.” Delivered at a state service commemorating the grandparents of Theodor Herzl, the Zionist leader, these comments reflect his unwavering focus on national security. Despite acknowledging former President Donald Trump as “the greatest friend we have had in the White House,” Netanyahu made clear that Israel’s strategic decisions would not be dictated by external pressures. Trump’s recent attempts to broker peace agreements have faced repeated setbacks, including his controversial proposal for Hamas disarmament in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawals from the Gaza Strip. This plan, presented as a landmark achievement of Trump’s so-called Board of Peace, was met with skepticism from Israeli officials. Netanyahu ultimately rejected the offer, dismissing it as “fictitious disarmament” and insisting on complete and unilateral Hamas disarmament. His refusal to withdraw troops from the region highlights the deepening divide between American expectations and Israeli realities. Political analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s resistance to Trump’s proposals stems from both strategic and electoral considerations. With Israeli elections approaching, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to maintain public support, particularly in light of his ongoing corruption trial. As a staunch security hawk, he has positioned himself as an uncompromising figure in the face of perceived threats, aligning his policies more closely with hardline factions within his coalition. Trump’s pattern of making sweeping geopolitical announcements, often without prior consultation or consensus, has led to frequent missteps. His repeated claims of achieving breakthroughs in Middle Eastern diplomacy, such as purported deals with Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, have frequently failed to materialize. This tendency has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers, who argue that Trump’s approach lacks coherence and practicality. Despite his influence, Trump’s ability to shape outcomes in the region appears limited. His reliance on media-driven narratives rather than diplomatic engagement has contributed to a disconnect between his vision and the complex realities on the ground. Reports indicate that Trump often bypasses formal intelligence briefings, preferring instead to receive updates through media channels, which has raised concerns about his preparedness for global challenges. Netanyahu’s firm stance on Iran and his rejection of Trump’s Gaza-related proposals illustrate the growing divergence between American and Israeli strategies in the region. While Trump continues to assert his role as a peacemaker, the Israeli leadership remains focused on immediate security concerns and internal political dynamics. This tension reflects broader challenges in U.S.-Israel relations, where ideological differences and divergent priorities complicate efforts toward lasting stability.