Bibi Learns The Hard Lesson Of Success Tip #9: Get Even

Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to congratulate Joe Biden on his 2020 election victory, despite Donald Trump’s refusal to concede and his claims of election fraud, was a critical misstep that strained their once-close alliance. Netanyahu, who had benefited immensely from Trump’s pro-Israel policies—like recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, and brokering the Abraham Accords—acted swiftly, issuing a statement just 12 hours after the election was called, though this was still later than many world leaders. Trump, who prided himself on his loyalty to allies and expected the same in return, viewed this as a personal betrayal, especially since Netanyahu released a video on Biden’s inauguration day highlighting their “warm personal friendship.” Trump’s reaction was visceral; he reportedly lashed out with profanity, saying, “I haven’t spoken to him since. F— him,” feeling that Netanyahu’s actions undermined his fight against the election results and disregarded the unprecedented support Trump had provided Israel.

Now, with Trump back in power in 2025, Netanyahu is learning the consequences of his perceived disloyalty. Trump’s foreign policy has always been transactional, rooted in personal relationships rather than institutional norms, and his return to the White House has brought a renewed focus on settling old scores. During their first meeting since Trump’s re-election, on February 4, 2025, at the White House, Trump proposed a controversial plan for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza and displace its Palestinian population, a move that aligns with his past support for Israel but also signals his intent to dictate terms on his own grounds. Netanyahu, who has been navigating a delicate balance with the Biden administration’s criticisms of Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, now faces a Trump who is less forgiving and more demanding. The warmth of their earlier partnership has been replaced by a dynamic where Netanyahu must work to regain Trump’s trust, a task complicated by Trump’s lingering resentment over the 2020 election and his public criticisms of Netanyahu’s leadership, including blaming him for being unprepared for the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

This situation reflects Trump’s Rule #9 from The Art of the Comeback: “Always get even.” Trump has long emphasized that those who cross him will face repercussions, a philosophy he applies both in business and politics. For Trump, Netanyahu’s quick endorsement of Biden wasn’t just a diplomatic move—it was a personal affront, especially after Trump believed he had “saved Israel from destruction” through his policies. Now, as Netanyahu seeks to rebuild the U.S.-Israel alliance under Trump’s second term, he must contend with a president who is not only focused on loyalty but also on ensuring that past betrayals are addressed. Trump’s recent actions, like pushing for U.S. control over Gaza and pressuring Arab nations to accept displaced Palestinians, show he’s willing to leverage his power to reshape the Middle East on his terms, leaving Netanyahu to navigate the fallout of a relationship he once took for granted.