Netanyahu’s Maneuvering to Undermine the Democratic Party
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has deliberately orchestrated problems for the Democratic Party, potentially influencing the U.S. presidential election. His military actions over the past year appear calculated to destabilize the region and shift the political climate in favor of Donald Trump. “He won’t want to do anything to help Harris’s election prospects,” said Marwan al-Muasher, a former foreign minister of Jordan and now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Netanyahu’s strategic moves, especially the escalation against Iran, aim to increase tension and weaken the Biden administration’s control. This intentional disruption benefits Trump while hurting Vice President Kamala Harris’s chances in the upcoming election.
“He won’t want to do anything to help Harris’s election prospects”
– Marwan al-Muasher, former foreign minister of Jordan
Netanyahu’s Strategic Dominance Over Biden
Netanyahu has consistently manipulated Washington’s diplomatic strategies to achieve his own objectives, often leaving Biden’s administration powerless. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat and columnist for Haaretz newspaper, remarked, “Netanyahu knows how to play the Washington game better than most U.S. politicians, and he has been running rings around Biden.” His refusal to cooperate with U.S.-backed ceasefire negotiations in Lebanon is just one example of his disregard for American diplomacy. Despite repeated efforts by the Biden administration to restrain Israel’s military activities, Netanyahu continues to push forward with his aggressive tactics. His dominance has widened the gap between the U.S. and Israel, showcasing the loss of American influence.
The Impact of Netanyahu’s Tactics on U.S. Leverage
The Biden administration has seen its influence over Israel diminish significantly, with Netanyahu disregarding American demands. His military strikes, particularly those targeting Iran and Hezbollah, persist regardless of American efforts to halt them. Dalia Dassa Kaye, a senior fellow at UCLA’s Burkle Center for International Relations, commented, “The red lines of the administration do not appear to mean that much and have been continually crossed.” U.S. attempts to slow Netanyahu’s aggression have failed, leaving Biden’s administration with little ability to control the situation. This diminishing leverage has exposed the growing independence of Israel in shaping its own regional agenda.
Netanyahu’s October Escalation Plan and U.S. Election Concerns
As the U.S. presidential election draws near, Netanyahu seems intent on leveraging the situation to impact the outcome. His potential strike on Iran’s oilfields would likely spike oil prices, causing further economic strain on the U.S. “Higher oil prices could threaten the White House’s hopes of keeping gasoline costs low for voters,” noted Bloomberg. This economic pressure would not only harm the Biden administration but would directly impact Kamala Harris’s chances in November. Netanyahu’s strategic timing of military escalations appears deliberately aimed at creating chaos that will influence U.S. voter sentiment in Trump’s favor.
Netanyahu’s Political Survival and Its Implications for Biden
Netanyahu’s military strategies are deeply tied to his political survival, making them vital for his continued leadership. His aggressive actions against Iran and Hezbollah serve as tools to maintain his political base and enhance his image at home. Former U.S. envoy Jeffrey Feltman, who led the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs during the Obama administration, described this tactic as “Netanyahu’s get-out-of-jail-free card,” referring to the way military success shields him from domestic political challenges. This political maneuvering has allowed Netanyahu to regain support after the October 7 Hamas attacks tarnished his image. For Biden, this creates a significant challenge, as he must balance Israeli-U.S. relations with the growing instability Netanyahu fosters.
Biden’s Loss of Control and Regional Consequences
Biden’s diminishing control over Netanyahu’s actions signals a broader problem for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The U.S. has found itself increasingly sidelined as Israel advances its own objectives, often with little concern for American interests. Retired U.S. Navy Admiral Mark Montgomery, now with Paladin Capital Group, stated, “Do I think we’re disappointed we don’t have the leverage we wish we had? Yes.” This loss of influence not only damages American credibility in the region but also has severe economic consequences, particularly with rising oil prices. The growing instability threatens to mark Biden’s legacy as one defined by a lack of control over key allies and Middle Eastern affairs.
