The Clock Is Ticking: Trump Won't Let Israeli Politics Stall Regional Moves

The article analyzes the tension between the Trump administration, which seeks to advance regional agreements, and Israeli politics with its upcoming elections. Trump has avoided publicly supporting Netanyahu, and the central issue is the withdrawal from Lebanon versus the disarmament of Hezbollah. Two towns in southern Lebanon will serve as a first test of the relationship.

The article analyzes the tension between the timelines of the Trump administration and Israel's internal politics, against the backdrop of the upcoming elections. Trump aims to sign regional agreements, including a historic deal with Saudi Arabia, advancing the Gaza plan, a security agreement with Syria, and breaking the stalemate with Iran. The White House fears that the Israeli elections will freeze these moves, as happened in 2019. Trump has so far avoided publicly supporting Netanyahu, and has even been quoted as saying that Netanyahu is 'his own worst enemy.' The gap in timelines is reflected in the issue of withdrawal from Lebanon: Israel insists on disarming Hezbollah before withdrawal, while Hezbollah demands withdrawal first. Iran views Hezbollah as a strategic asset. Two towns in southern Lebanon will serve as a first test: if the Lebanese army enters and dismantles the infrastructure, it will serve both leaders; if Israel refuses to withdraw, Washington may place the blame for the delay on it.