Netanyahu at the UN — Israel faces a new problem
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to the UN amid a diplomatic crisis: even US President Trump refused to meet with him but is willing to meet with Iran. Maariv military commentator Avi Ashkenazi analyzes Israel's isolation and the government's lack of strategic vision.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is traveling to the US to address the UN General Assembly. However, according to Maariv military commentator Avi Ashkenazi, Israel is facing a serious diplomatic crisis. Even US President Donald Trump, one of Netanyahu's closest allies, stated he is not interested in meeting with the Israeli prime minister but is willing to meet with Iranian representatives. Ashkenazi writes that the IDF's military achievements over three years of war are impressive but have not been followed up diplomatically. The problem, in his view, lies in the absence of a full-fledged foreign minister and defense minister, as well as a government composed of political functionaries without strategic vision. Israel cannot rely solely on cool relations with the US and a regional alliance with Cyprus and Greece. It is noted that on Thursday, the submarine "Dragon" — the most expensive military vessel in the country's history — is expected to arrive off Israel's coast, which could strengthen the alliance with Greece and Cyprus. Ashkenazi concludes that Israel needs a series of diplomatic steps to break out of its international isolation.