The “great deal,” known as the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was designed to differentiate it from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that Obama initiated, which Trump has criticized for a decade. However, this new agreement is just as harmful to Israel as the JCPOA was. To grasp the impulsiveness and superficial understanding behind a 14-point plan that excludes Israel, one must consider Trump’s character. He is like the friend who promises to stand by you until something better comes along. In this situation, Trump not only marginalized Israel but also publicly embarrassed Netanyahu, his most staunch ally, in the process.

Trump’s exaggerated rhetoric is not unusual; however, his current antagonistic stance towards an ally that fought alongside the U.S. for four months while facing multiple attacks is disconcerting. While the alliance between the U.S. and Israel is undoubtedly crucial for regional stability, Israel must also prioritize its own autonomy and security. Trump’s relationship with Israel resembles a father-son dynamic, or so Trump thinks. Yet, as we’ve seen in recent days, this relationship can become dangerously toxic. This toxicity was evident in his bombastic comments about Israel’s Prime Minister, who has consistently supported Trump, often at his own expense. Even Trump’s loyal allies, such as ¹Mark Levin—whom Trump appointed to the Homeland Security Advisory Council in 2025—have criticized Trump’s recent hyperbole against Netanyahu and, to some extent, Israel.

Trump’s arrogance and boastful social media posts are not unusual; they are integral to his persona and his support base. What is worrying, however, is his erratic approach to foreign policy. The conflict with Iran, which he initiated, only gained traction due to Israel’s unwavering commitment. None of the European nations wanted to get involved, and the Arab states chimed in because they were under attack. Ultimately, it was Israel, and Israel alone, that remained steadfast in Trump’s vision, even while facing attacks during ceasefires and negotiation talks.

It has become clear that the MOU was primarily about the United States acquiring assets in the region rather than effectively neutralizing threats to Israel and the surrounding area. While it is true that Trump campaigned on an “America First” platform, if he were truly a skilled dealmaker, he could have balanced economic interests in the region with Israel’s well-being. Israel’s stake is its very existence; it cannot rely on half-hearted solutions that only provide temporary relief from Iran’s proxies or its nuclear capabilities. Unlike the United States, which may be seeking negotiation, Israel is focused on securing a genuine and lasting solution.

If we reflect on the past eight months, we see that, except for Venezuela, there has been little success in any of the “deals” that Mr. Trump claimed to have made. Following his historic trip to Israel, intended to release hostages and launch a 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, Hamas has not disarmed and continues to........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)