Trump reaches out to Putin - and the price may also reach Israel

Yehuda Rakhaniev's opinion piece analyzes the implications of the Trump administration's policy to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports, focusing on the security risk to Israel. The author argues that short-term US economic interests override principles in the war in Ukraine, and that strengthening Russia's economy could boost its cooperation with Iran and support for Hamas. Rakhaniev calls on Prime Minister Netanyahu to pose tough questions to Trump and protect Israeli interests.

Yehuda Rakhaniev's opinion piece examines the Trump administration's policy of allowing deals in Russian diesel while the war in Ukraine continues. The author argues that the decision stems from short-term US economic and political interests, such as lowering fuel prices and political pressure ahead of midterm elections, at the expense of international principles and global responsibility. Rakhaniev emphasizes that strengthening Russia's economy increases its resources, including those directed toward the war effort in Ukraine, and preserves its regional capabilities. He directly links this 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 made his relationship with Trump a political asset, to pose tough questions to the White House and protect Israel's security interests, even at the cost of diplomatic discomfort. The author concludes with criticism of the gap between Trump's statements about solving crises and his actual policy.