Meeting Without Honors: What Netanyahu's Visit to the US Showed

Netanyahu's visit to the US passed without honors: no airport reception, red carpet, or press conference. Trump rejected pressure and said he doesn't need intelligence. The columnist criticizes the prime minister, citing citizens' opinions on the need for replacement and General Shalom's words about a strategic failure. Candidates Liberman, Bennett, and Eisenkot are mentioned.

A column by Ben Caspit in Maariv, retold by Kursor, analyzes Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump, which lacked traditional ceremonies: the prime minister was not met at the airport, there was no red carpet, journalists, or press conference. He entered the White House through the back entrance, and the meeting was one of the shortest. Trump publicly rejected attempts at pressure, stating, "No one will tell me what to sell and to whom," and noted he doesn't need his intelligence. The author cites shoppers' opinions that Netanyahu should be replaced and argues against claims of his indispensability, pointing to the experience of Avigdor Liberman, Naftali Bennett, and Gadi Eisenkot. Reserve Brigadier General Dror Shalom called the strategic situation a "loud failure," noting that Hamas retains positions, Hezbollah is not disarmed, and Iran's nuclear program is only partially slowed. The author criticizes the lack of a clear strategy regarding Iran and the prolongation of the war, linking it to political interests. Naftali Bennett proposed recognizing Qatar as a hostile state, calling it the "new Iran." Caspit concludes that Netanyahu does not meet the requirements and is leading the country to deterioration.