Trump Sides With the Israeli People Against Netanyahu

Date: May 13, 2025

In a political development that has stunned both allies and opponents, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has publicly distanced himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, siding instead with the Israeli public amid one of the country’s most volatile moments in recent history. During a rally in Florida and a follow-up statement on his social media platform, Trump expressed support for what he called “the suffering people of Israel” and rebuked Netanyahu’s leadership in uncharacteristically blunt terms.

“The Israeli people deserve better leadership. They’re being failed, not just by enemies abroad, but by indecision and poor choices at home,” Trump said. “I stand with them, not with a government that can’t keep them safe or lead them to peace.”

Trump’s comments, made as Israel continues its prolonged military engagement with Hamas in Gaza, have sent shockwaves through political circles, both in Washington and Jerusalem. Once considered one of Netanyahu’s staunchest international supporters, Trump’s criticism signals a major shift that could have deep implications for the U.S.-Israel relationship, Republican foreign policy, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

The Breakdown of a Once-Powerful Alliance

Trump and Netanyahu shared a high-profile alliance during Trump’s presidency (2017–2021), culminating in several historic policy moves, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the relocation of the U.S. embassy there, and U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Trump also brokered the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

However, the relationship has steadily deteriorated since 2020. Trump was reportedly infuriated by Netanyahu’s swift congratulations to President Joe Biden after the 2020 U.S. election, which Trump continues to claim was “rigged.” In interviews, Trump described Netanyahu’s acknowledgment of Biden’s win as “disloyal.”

Now, with Israel embroiled in a prolonged war with Hamas that began in October 2023, Trump has taken the rift a step further, placing himself not just in opposition to Netanyahu’s government, but symbolically aligning with the growing protest movement within Israel.

*Mounting Israeli Discontent*

Inside Israel, frustrations have boiled over. Netanyahu’s administration, under fire for its handling of the initial Hamas attacks, ongoing hostage crises, and civilian casualties in Gaza, faces mounting criticism from all corners of Israeli society.

Weekly protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have grown to include families of hostages, military veterans, students, and political activists. Demonstrators accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over national unity, peace negotiations, and responsible governance. Multiple polls show declining support for Netanyahu, especially among younger and centrist Israelis.

In this volatile climate, Trump’s words resonate with a portion of Israelis who feel abandoned by their leadership.

“Trump’s statement may be political, but it touches a nerve,” said Noa Erez, a protest organizer in Tel Aviv. “He is recognizing what many of our own leaders refuse to admit: we are suffering, and we are tired of being pawns in a political game.”

*Strategic Political Move or Genuine Concern?*

Trump’s latest remarks may also be interpreted through a domestic lens. As he seeks to reclaim the presidency in 2024, Trump is recalibrating his foreign policy messaging to appeal to an electorate increasingly wary of foreign wars and foreign aid commitments.

By siding with the Israeli public over its government, Trump avoids alienating his pro-Israel base while tapping into broader populist themes: anti-elite sentiment, skepticism of endless wars, and a preference for decisive, results-oriented leadership.

“He’s doing what he always does—reading the political winds,” said Dr. Eli Waldman, a political analyst with the Center for American Strategy. “There’s a growing sense among Republicans that supporting Israel doesn’t mean rubber-stamping everything the Netanyahu government does.”

Trump’s positioning also distances him from President Biden, whose approach has been more cautious, emphasizing U.S.-Israel unity while urging Netanyahu toward more measured actions in Gaza. While Biden has publicly supported Israel’s right to self-defense, his administration has expressed concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the lack of a post-war political solution.

*Mixed Reactions in Israel and the U.S.*

Reactions to Trump’s statement were predictably mixed. Within Israel, members of Netanyahu’s Likud Party condemned the comments, accusing Trump of interfering in Israeli democracy. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called them “uninformed and dangerous,” emphasizing that Israel’s unity is paramount during times of war.

Conversely, opposition leaders and civil society groups welcomed the remarks as validation of their cause.

“Trump is not someone I ever thought I’d agree with,” said Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party. “But when even he can see the damage Netanyahu is doing, it shows how deep the crisis truly is.”

In the United States, Democrats seized on Trump’s criticism to highlight Netanyahu’s growing isolation. “Even Trump sees the writing on the wall,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “Netanyahu has led Israel into a moral and strategic quagmire.”

However, Trump’s conservative base, long supportive of Israel, was split. Evangelical leaders expressed concern over undermining Israel’s leadership, while populist voices praised Trump for standing with “the people, not the politicians.”

*Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy*

Trump’s statement adds complexity to an already fraught U.S. foreign policy environment. Should he return to office, his stance could reshape America’s role in the Middle East. Trump has previously signaled opposition to long-term military engagements and has criticized foreign aid unless it yields “real results.”

Siding with the Israeli populace over its elected leadership could give a future Trump administration more flexibility to pressure Israel into policy changes—especially around hostilities in Gaza, settlement expansion, or negotiations with Palestinians.

But critics warn that such public disavowals could destabilize diplomatic relationships and embolden Israel’s adversaries.

“Mixed signals from U.S. leaders create confusion in a region already teetering on the edge,” said former U.S. Ambassador Dennis Ross. “Strong U.S.-Israel ties require clear, consistent support—especially during crises.”

*A Broader Realignment?*

Trump’s pivot may reflect a broader realignment in the traditional bipartisan consensus around Israel. For decades, support for Israel has been a rare point of agreement in American politics. However, younger voters, progressive Democrats, and a growing number of libertarian-leaning Republicans are now questioning aspects of that relationship—particularly in light of the humanitarian toll in Gaza.

In this context, Trump’s comments, though divisive, are not without precedent. They mark the latest evolution in how American politicians navigate an increasingly complex and controversial alliance.

*Conclusion: Breaking the Mold*

Donald Trump has built his political identity on breaking with convention—and his latest move is no exception. By criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu and aligning himself with Israeli protesters, Trump is not just redefining his stance on Israel; he is challenging decades of foreign policy orthodoxy.

Whether driven by principle or political strategy, Trump’s decision to side with the Israeli people over their prime minister opens a new chapter in the discourse around the U.S.-Israel relationship. It also underscores how, in a time of global unrest, traditional alliances are being tested—not just by war, but by the will of the people demanding better from their leaders.

As both Israel and the United States approach critical elections, the intersection of domestic dissatisfaction and international conflict promises to reshape political realities for years to come.