Netanyahu treading dangerously in the USA

Netanyahu: treading dangerously in the USA

His hubris is such that he doesn’t see it, but Netanyahu is on thin ice in the USA now. I am speaking of his televised press conference following his meeting with President Trump.

Trump is the most powerful man in the world and he is glorying in it: his election under extraordinary circumstances is without parallel in USA history and validates to Trump his positions and his approach to the public. He is a vain and crude person, escaped 2 assassination attempts during his campaign for the Presidency, and has been running the Presidency as he would a private business with abrupt and disruptive decisions, crude and open grasping for private contributions, and demanding flattery and obedience from his underlings. The height of his symbol of power is his place in the Oval Office in the White House behind the Resolute Desk.

Today, following his meeting with Trump, Netanyahu was in this office along with President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Cabinet members. The press was admitted. A question was posed as to the topic of conversation between Trump and Netanyahu. Common sense and diplomatic protocol says: regardless to whom the question is addressed, it is addressed to Trump. If Netanyahu wants to speak to the question, he first seeks permission from Trump.

Ah, but not so with Netanyahu who seemed to think he was in his Jerusalem office. Jumping right in, without a glance at Trump, Netanyahu droned on about the topics considered. He seemed oblivious to Trump’s body and facial language which showed increasing annoyance at this upstart from a tiny country dependent on the USA for arms and diplomatic support who was speaking without permission in the chambers of the USA President and implying that he was speaking for both. It was fortunate that Netanyahu finished before he was told his time was up.

I don’t know if this will have repercussions, but Trump is one to remember slights and he was slighted in his own house.