Trump and Netanyahu: A Powerful Alliance Shaping Middle Eastern Politics
The partnership between former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emerged as one of the most significant alliances in recent Middle Eastern history. Their joint efforts have influenced not only election politics but also critical military and diplomatic moves in the region.
Facing a Political Crisis: Netanyahu's 2020 Election Struggle
Back in 2020, Benjamin Netanyahu found himself at a crossroads. With corruption charges looming and his right-wing Likud party faltering through a series of elections, the Prime Minister’s position was precarious. He confronted the real possibility of losing power amid fierce political unrest.
It was at this critical juncture that Donald Trump's campaign team stepped onto the scene in Jerusalem. Key figures from Trump's 2020 campaign, including Susie Wiles, Corey Lewandowski, and Tony Fabrizio, arrived to assist Netanyahu's campaign efforts with a clear strategy adapted from Trump’s own political playbook.
"If the 2016 campaign taught us anything, it was how to energize and mobilize a base," Lewandowski later recalled. Quickly transforming Likud’s rallies into charismatic, Trump-style events—boisterous, theatrical, and focused heavily on Netanyahu—this approach reinvigorated Netanyahu’s support. Although financial constraints prevented a prolonged partnership, the message was unmistakable: Trump was ready to back his ally robustly.
Despite not securing a clear majority, Netanyahu managed to retain power through a coalition with political rival Benny Gantz, reaffirming his leadership as Prime Minister.
Trump’s Influence Extends to Middle East Policy
This political alignment bore fruit during Trump’s first term, notably with the US formally recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocating the American embassy to the city—moves that had been longstanding objectives for Netanyahu.
2025: Renewed Military Cooperation and Diplomatic Maneuvers
Fast forward to 2025, with Netanyahu back at the helm and Trump returned to the Oval Office, the two leaders’ collaboration has taken on a military dimension once again amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Following Israel’s recent military strikes on underground Iranian nuclear sites, Trump publicly affirmed his close coordination with Netanyahu, highlighting that they communicated nearly daily during these developments. Officials indicated that Trump had forewarned Netanyahu about US military actions, underscoring the depth of their strategic partnership.
While initial diplomacy was floated, the US ultimately lent its tacit approval to Israel’s aggressive stance to ensure it was not caught unaware by the conflict’s rapid developments. The alliance even extended into efforts to broker ceasefires and de-escalate confrontations between Israel and Iran.
The Partnership’s Broader Impact
- Political Strategy: Trump’s campaign team directly influenced Netanyahu’s election approach in 2020.
- Diplomatic Recognition: The US embassy move to Jerusalem marked a historic shift in US-Israel relations during Trump’s presidency.
- Military Coordination: In 2025, the two leaders engaged in close communication during heightened Israel-Iran tensions.
The enduring alliance between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu not only shaped election outcomes but also dramatically influenced the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, demonstrating how personal relationships at the highest levels can drive pivotal international decisions.
