Let’s be honest for a moment. No slogans. No campaign ads. No Facebook comments section. No uncle from Ra’anana explaining American politics to everyone within earshot. Just us talking here.

Here’s a simple question:

Wouldn’t a lot of Israelis trade Donald Trump for a Democrat president right now?

I know. I know. The very suggestion sounds crazy to Israeli ears.

For years, Israeli politics has treated American politics like the two football teams from Haifa where I live. More than half the city buys season tickets for the “Republican” side, Maccabi Haifa. They are the succesful team that wins championships. “Democrats,” or Hapoel Haifa, the team I’ve supported since I was a small child, barely attract fans to their games. In other words, “losers.”

Thus the democrats of America became for Israelis, the party of uncomfortable conversations, stern lectures, and resolutions expressing concern. Republicans became the party of unwavering support, standing ovations, and enough Israeli flags to stock an Independence Day parade. In other words, a “winner.”

Then reality showed up. You know, reality has a nasty habit of ignoring political narratives.

Many Israelis spent years explaining to American Jews (who support the Democratic party in large numbers), that Trump was the greatest friend Israel ever had. To be fair, they had “evidence.” After all, the US Embassy moved to Jerusalem. The Abraham Accords were signed. The Golan Heights received recognition from the United States as belonging to Israel.

For many Israelis, these were tangible achievements that previous administrations had either delayed or avoided altogether.  They also thought that as Trump replaced Biden in the White House, the “shackles” they felt placed on Israel in the wake of the October 7 war in Gaza, would be lifted and Israel would be free to act as it pleased. Then came the war with Iran.

Somewhere along the way, we confused........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)