(SeaPRwire) – By: Julian Holbrooke
The recent revelation that US President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw support for Israel during a tense call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a bombshell. This move shows a significant rift in the long – standing US – Israel alliance.
Officially, Trump’s action seems to be an attempt to push for peace. Iran suspended talks with the US due to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Iran’s peace conditions include a halt to hostilities on “all fronts,” and nearly 3,700 people have died in Lebanon since early March. But geopolitically, Trump might be trying to re – establish US control over the Middle East situation. He wants to show that he “calls the shots” and that Israel must follow his lead.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the strikes in Lebanon and the naval blockade of Iranian ports make the US and Israel legitimate targets. Iran and some of Trump’s domestic critics accuse him of starting the war at Israel’s behest. However, Trump argues he’s in charge and that Israel has to accept his terms with Iran.
The geopolitical pendulum is clearly shifting. The US – Israel relationship, once unshakable, is now on thin ice. Trump’s threat could force Israel to reassess its military strategies and diplomatic stances in the region.
Author bio: Julian Holbrooke, an overseas international relations analyst contributing to major European daily newspapers.