US President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could visit the White House following the NATO summit in Turkey, describing their relationship as strong before adding that Netanyahu “knows who the boss is.”
The expected meeting is positive. Trump remains deeply appreciated across Israel for his support of the Jewish state, his willingness to confront Iran, and his recognition that Israeli security cannot be entrusted to international assurances alone.
But the “boss” remark was needlessly condescending.
Israel is America’s ally, not its client state. Its prime minister is elected by Israelis and is responsible first to the citizens who send their sons and daughters into battle. Friendship with Washington is strategically vital, but it cannot be framed as obedience to Washington.
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