Has the Far Right Israeli Narrative Begun to Turn Against Trump?

Historically, Netanyahu and many right-wing Israeli politicians viewed Trump as an ally, particularly due to his pro-Israel policies during his first term. However, recent developments indicate a growing discontent with Trump, particularly regarding his perceived unpredictability and potential policy shifts that may not align with the far-right agenda in Israel.

As Netanyahu navigates the aftermath of the Gaza war and seeks to maintain his coalition government, there are fears inside Israel that Trump's return to power could complicate Israel's political landscape. Some right-leaning Israelis worry that Trump's approach may not favor their interests, especially concerning settlement policies and military engagements in the region.

The internal divisions within Netanyahu's government are becoming more pronounced as he contemplates future alliances. Some factions within his coalition are questioning whether aligning too closely with Trump could jeopardize their political standing, especially if Trump fails to deliver on key issues like support for Israeli settlements or military action against Iran.

This expectation places additional pressure on Netanyahu, who must balance his far-right coalition's demands with the need for stability and U.S. relations.

While many Israelis recall Trump's first term favorably, significant policy decisions such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights solidified this alliance. There is also recognition of the mixed outcomes of his administration's approach to regional conflicts. This duality complicates Netanyahu's strategy as he attempts to align with a leader whose past actions may not guarantee future support.

Analysts suggest that Netanyahu may have misjudged Trump's intentions and the political landscape leading up to his second term. The expectation that Trump would continue to be a steadfast ally has been challenged by emerging criticisms from within Trump's base regarding Netanyahu's policies, particularly concerning military engagements and settlement expansions.

Fracture and Fury: Trump's Ceasefire Call Drives Rift in Israel's Right-Wing Coalition

The coalition, which includes extremist figures such as Tamar Ben-Gvir, has expressed significant disillusionment with Trump following his call for a ceasefire in Gaza. This shift marks a notable fracture in the previously strong alignment between Israeli right-wing politics and Trumpism.

When Trump was elected, Netanyahu's coalition celebrated, believing that his administration would provide unwavering support for their agenda, including a hardline stance against Palestinian factions. 

However, Trump's recent advocacy for a ceasefire has led to backlash from members of Netanyahu's coalition. Ben-Gvir has been particularly vocal, indicating that his party will only support Netanyahu's government if it resumes military operations and halts aid to Gaza. This public criticism underscores a significant shift in the dynamics of their relationship.

Analysts suggest that while Netanyahu may see short-term political advantages in agreeing to a ceasefire, he risks alienating his far-right base, which is resistant to any perceived concessions to Hamas.

While many Israelis still view Trump favorably—two-thirds reportedly prefer him over current Vice President Kamala Harris—there is a recognition that his presidency may not deliver the same level of support for Israeli interests as before.

Many Israeli news outlets have highlighted Trump's role in facilitating the ceasefire, submitting that he pressured Netanyahu into making concessions that are unpopular with right-wing constituents. This narrative is particularly pronounced among far-right politicians, who view any agreement with Hamas as a betrayal of their hardline stance on security.

The Israeli media is also reflecting a growing discontent among the public regarding the ceasefire negotiations. Reports indicate that many Israelis are frustrated with the idea of negotiating with Hamas, especially after significant losses during the war. This sentiment is being amplified on social media platforms, where users express their anger towards both Trump and Netanyahu for what they perceive as a failure to secure a decisive victory over Hamas. 

On platforms like Twitter and Facebook, hashtags such as (#NoCeasefire) and (#TrumpIsWeak) have gained traction among right-wing groups. These campaigns aim to mobilize public opinion against any form of negotiation with Hamas, framing it as a sign of weakness rather than a strategic decision for peace. This grassroots mobilization reflects a broader strategy to influence both public sentiment and political discourse in Israel.

Contrasting Visions: Trumpism and the Israeli Far Right on Middle East Politics and Palestinian Rights

The narratives of Trumpism and the Israeli far right regarding the Middle East and Palestine reflect different ideological frameworks and geopolitical strategies. While both share a commonality in their populist and nationalist rhetoric, they diverge significantly in their approaches to regional stability, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and relations with neighboring countries.

Trump's narrative is rooted in an America First ideology that emphasizes national sovereignty and a transactional approach to foreign policy. His administration sought to redefine U.S. engagement in the Middle East by aligning closely with Sunni Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia, while promoting a hardline stance against Iran. This approach often framed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a lens of economic incentives rather than historical grievances or rights-based claims.

The Israeli far right is characterized by a strong nationalist ideology that prioritizes Jewish sovereignty and territorial claims over historical Palestine. This group views the Israeli presence in the West Bank as a divine mandate and often dismisses Palestinian claims as illegitimate. Their policies are heavily influenced by religious beliefs, asserting that biblical narratives justify control over disputed territories.

Trump's rhetoric often simplifies complex geopolitical issues into binary oppositions—good versus evil—where allies are framed as victims of external threats, particularly from Iran and Islamist groups. This black-and-white worldview extends to his portrayal of Israel as a beacon of democracy surrounded by hostile forces, which justifies unwavering support for Israeli policies, including settlement expansions.

The far right employs rhetoric that emphasizes existential threats to Israel from Palestinian groups and other regional adversaries. This narrative fosters a siege mentality among Israelis, justifying aggressive military actions and policies aimed at maintaining security and territorial integrity. Their discourse often frames any criticism of Israel's actions as anti-Semitic or undermining national security.

Trump's administration attempted to broker normalization through economical means, exemplified by the “deal of the century,” which proposed significant economic incentives while sidelining their political rights. This approach was criticized for ignoring historical injustices and entrenched inequalities, ultimately failing to gain traction among Palestinians who viewed it as an extension of Israeli occupation.

Policies promoted by the Israeli far right include expanding settlements in the West Bank and asserting sovereignty over Jerusalem, actions that are seen as provocative. They advocate for a strong military response to perceived threats from Palestinian factions.

How the Israeli Lobby Could Align Trumpism with the Israeli Far Right?

The Israeli lobby in the United States, particularly through organizations like AIPAC, has significant influence over U.S. foreign policy and political discourse. 

The Israeli far right often frames its policies around existential threats to Israel's security and sovereignty. The lobby could encourage Trumpism to adopt similar narratives, emphasizing shared enemies like Iran or Islamist groups, thus creating ideological alignment between the two movements.

The Israeli far right prioritizes settlement expansion in the West Bank as a core policy. The lobby could push Trumpism to adopt a more overtly supportive stance on settlements, framing it as a necessary measure for regional stability and U.S.-Israel solidarity. 

The Israeli far right opposes a two-state solution. The lobby might work to ensure Trumpism continues to sideline Palestinian rights in favor of unilateral Israeli actions, as seen during Trump's first term when aid to Palestinians was cut and Jerusalem was recognized as Israel's capital.

Through media campaigns and lobbying efforts, pro-Israel groups could work to normalize Israeli far-right policies among Trump’s base by portraying them as aligned with American values of security and democracy.

Funding for the Israeli right-wing is derived from a combination of domestic and international sources, including political donations, lobbying groups, and individual contributions. Israeli political parties, particularly those on the right, receive significant financial support from wealthy individuals and organizations within Israel. This includes donations from business leaders who align with right-wing ideologies.

Organizations such as the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI) play a crucial role in funding right-wing politicians and initiatives. CFI, for instance, has funded numerous trips for Conservative MPs to Israel and provides briefing materials to MPs, enhancing their access to government decision-making processes.

A notable portion of funding comes from American pro-Israel lobbying groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). These organizations have been instrumental in financing campaigns and initiatives that support right-wing policies in Israel.

Conservative American donors have significantly influenced the Israeli right by providing financial resources that help shape public discourse and political strategies in Israel. This includes funding campaigns for right-wing candidates and supporting initiatives that align with their ideological beliefs.

The current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has leveraged its funding sources to maintain a coalition that includes far-right parties like Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit. Despite only capturing a small percentage of the overall vote (around 10% in recent elections), these far-right factions have managed to exert considerable influence due to their strategic alliances and funding capabilities.

The alignment between the Israeli far right and Trumpism is not only shaped by ideological affinity but also by a powerful network of financial, political, and media support. The Israeli lobby’s influence in the U.S., combined with its backing of far-right Israeli policies, could encourage a deeper integration of these two movements.

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