No. of Recommendations: 9
“Now, explain to me again, who owns who?”
Clearly, I think, Trump owns Netanyahu. When it comes to calling the shots, Trump has all the cards. He gives Netanyahu as long a leash as he can, as long as it doesn’t lead to war breaking out again between the U.S. and Iran. Fundamentally, their strategy goals are at odds. Netanyahu wants to escalate and extend the war at least until the Israeli election in September. (And because it’s election season you’ll hear belligerent rhetoric from the Israeli opposition too). Trump wants one thing, to open Hormuz. Once that happens he’ll walk away from it entirely without any of the promised negotiation over enriched uranium etc. ever happening. The Iranians understand Trump’s desperation, and know they can stall and make Lebanon a sticking point, driving a wedge between Trump and Netanyahu.
