Donald Trump’s chaotic activism has failed for six months to resolve the endless Gaza conflict. Not only did the ceasefire brokered on the eve of the current US president’s inauguration collapse a month and a half later, but the humanitarian catastrophe in the Palestinian enclave reached nightmarish proportions. Yet, the overwhelming responsibility of Trump’s predecessor in the White House for this disaster should never be forgotten.
It was Joe Biden who, for 15 long months, provided almost unconditional support to Benjamin Netanyahu in his war on Gaza. An in-depth investigation by The New York Times, based on classified documents and interviews with more than 100 officials, revealed the extent to which the Democratic president was manipulated by the Israeli head of government – even as Netanyahu was openly betting on Trump’s reelection.
The refounder of Israel
Netanyahu has led Israel for more than 17 years – first from 1996 to 1999, then from 2009 to 2021, and again since December 2022. Such exceptional longevity has allowed him to deeply reshape the political landscape and parts of the country’s institutions, despite protest movements sparked by this illiberal drift. Netanyahu is not just a brilliant tactician but also a relentless opportunist, willing to use any maneuver to cling to power, especially since he has faced a triple indictment for fraud, accepting bribes and breach of trust.
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