Citizens Of The Levant Are Coming To Terms With Their US Protectorate Status
Israeli citizens are reeling in bafflement and dismay as President Donald Trump continues to snub Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known as “Bibi,” in 2025, a stark contrast to the close relationship they shared during Trump’s first term. Trump’s actions—bypassing Israel in Middle East talks, pursuing nuclear negotiations with Iran without consulting Netanyahu, and skipping a visit to Jerusalem during his regional tour—have left many Israelis feeling sidelined by their long-standing ally. This shift has sparked a wave of anxiety, particularly as Trump’s administration appears to prioritize American interests over Israel’s, with a senior Trump advisor reportedly stating, “In MAGA, we are not Bibi fans,” reflecting a growing sentiment within Trump’s circle that challenges Israel’s expectations of unwavering U.S. support.
The root of this dismay lies in the illusion many Israelis hold that their nation operates as a fully independent country, when in reality, Israel functions more like a protectorate of the United States, heavily reliant on American military, economic, and diplomatic backing. For decades, the U.S. has provided Israel with billions in aid, vetoed critical UN resolutions, and shaped Middle East policy in ways that often align with Israeli interests—such as Trump’s first-term decisions to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. Yet, Trump’s recent moves, like proposing U.S. control over Gaza and sidelining Netanyahu in talks with the Houthis, reveal the limits of Israel’s autonomy, exposing the uncomfortable truth that its strategic decisions are often contingent on U.S. approval, leaving citizens stunned when that support wavers.
This disconnect has fueled a sense of betrayal among Israelis, who are struggling to reconcile their self-image as a sovereign nation with the reality of their dependence on the U.S. Public sentiment, as reflected in recent posts on X, shows growing frustration, with some users calling Trump’s actions a “dishonor” to Israel and accusing him of isolating the country while hostages remain in Gaza. Netanyahu’s initial celebration of Trump’s 2024 election as “history’s greatest comeback” has given way to unease, as Israelis grapple with the possibility that their reliance on the U.S. makes them vulnerable to the whims of American politics. The tension underscores a broader awakening: Israel’s perceived independence is more fragile than many citizens believed, and Trump’s snub of Netanyahu is a harsh reminder of their protectorate-like status in the U.S.’s geopolitical orbit.
