For many years, Donald Trump was seen as one of Israel’s closest friends in Washington. So when he recently criticized Israel, called for restraint in Lebanon, and tried to make diplomatic moves with Iran, it caught a lot of people by surprise—especially those who thought his support was completely rock-solid. But while these moments can feel uncomfortable, they aren’t a reason to panic. The Torah taught us a simple but deep truth a long time ago: alliances between countries are never permanent. They change with time, circumstances, and interests. The story of Balak gives us a clear look into how global politics actually works, reminding us where Jewish people should always place their ultimate trust.

The Torah describes Balak’s political maneuvering very simply: “And Moab said to the elders of Midian…” But our Sages point out that this wasn’t a friendly chat. Moab and Midian were completely different nations that usually fought with each other. Yet suddenly, they were sitting at the same table. What changed?

The Sages compare it to two dogs that are constantly fighting. Suddenly, a wolf shows up. In an instant, both dogs realize: if the wolf takes out my enemy today, he’s coming for me tomorrow. So, for a little while, they put their hatred aside and team up against the bigger threat. This is exactly how international politics works. It’s not built on love or loyalty; it’s built on common interests. As long as interests align, you have a partnership. The moment they shift, the alliance falls apart. What........

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