Trump extends a hand to Putin — and the price may reach Israel too

Yehuda Rachniyev's opinion piece analyzes the consequences of the Trump administration's policy of easing sanctions on Russian diesel exports, focusing on the security risk to Israel. The writer argues that America's short-term economic interests override the principles of the war in Ukraine, and that strengthening Russia's economy could bolster its cooperation with Iran and its support for Hamas. Rachniyev calls on Prime Minister Netanyahu to pose hard questions to Trump and defend Israeli interests.

Yehuda Rachniyev's opinion piece examines the Trump administration's policy of permitting deals in Russian diesel while the war in Ukraine continues. The writer argues that the decision stems from short-term American economic and political interests, such as lowering fuel prices and political pressure ahead of the midterm elections, at the expense of international principles and global responsibility. Rachniyev stresses that strengthening Russia's economy increases its resources, including those directed to the war effort in Ukraine, and preserves its regional capabilities. He links this directly to Israel: Russia maintains strategic cooperation with Iran and hosted a Hamas delegation after October 7. The article calls on Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has turned his relationship with Trump into a political asset, to pose hard questions to the White House and defend Israel's security interests, even at the cost of diplomatic discomfort. The writer concludes with criticism of the gap between Trump's declarations about resolving crises and his actual policy.