Arguably, the biggest news from the first meeting between PM Netanyahu and President Trump was not anything they said. Rather, it was the warmth between the men. Both are tough, and Trump remains unpredictable. Still, the camaraderie between the two bodes well for their ability to meaningfully negotiate. In this context, then, there are also a number of intriguing issues and policies that directly impact Israel's security: Iran, a regional peace deal, the Palestinians, settlements and more.
Apparently, the larger framework of Trump's support for Israel is a coalition of armed forces to defeat ISIS throughout the region - and to push Iran back inside its borders. With "consequences that are unforeseen," the prospect of a long-term, international army is a Trump-Putin "earthquake" that is "sending tremors through Middle East."
What are Trump's positions regarding the Jewish State and the issues that it faces? What will Netanyahu encounter whe he meets with Trump on Wednesday? Three days before that meeting, an interview with the US President was published by Israel's largest daily paper, Israel Hayom. Based on things Trump said, and would not say, Jerusalem continues to adapt to a fast-moving US president whose support for Israel is in a context that is still coming into focus.
In his meeting with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Israeli PM Netanyahu discussed three primary topics: Iran, Palestinian peace and economics.
It would be a mistake to think there is, or will be, smooth sailing between Jerusalem and Trump's new administration in Washington D.C. When Netanyahu meets with the new US president, he will have four pressing concerns.