Al Mayadeen – Sept 18, 2026
“Israel’s” far-right government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is boldly defying US interests while pretending all is well. In his New York Times column, Thomas L. Friedman argues that Netanyahu is manipulating both US President Trump and American Jewish communities, warning that if the US does not respond, it risks being made a fool.
While Trump remains focused on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, an issue that still requires careful diplomacy, Netanyahu is pursuing policies that undermine US strategic interests across the Middle East and jeopardize Jewish security worldwide, according to Friedman. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, cited by the writer, recently described armed settlers’ violent efforts in the West Bank aimed at forcing Palestinians from their homes, a precursor to “annexation”.
“Israel’s” moves to “annex” parts of the West Bank and maintain permanent control over Gaza, while denying Palestinians political rights, are morally reckless and demographically unsustainable. Friedman compares the policy to the US attempting to annex Mexico, noting that such ambitions threaten not only “Israel” but also global Jewish security and American interests in the region.
The policies of Netanyahu’s government are creating deep rifts within Jewish institutions worldwide. Members of the diaspora are increasingly forced to choose between supporting “Israel” or standing by democratic principles. Friedman highlights that these tensions are influencing US public opinion, as many young Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, become more critical of “Israel”.
Shifting political attitudes
Recent polling underscores a shift in US attitudes toward “Israel”. According to a November survey by the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project, 51% of Republicans under 45 prefer a 2028 presidential candidate who would reduce weapons transfers to “Israel”, while only 27% support maintaining or increasing aid. Friedman also cites Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s comments at the Munich Security Conference, noting that unconditional US support enabled atrocities in Gaza, reflecting growing skepticism among young progressives.
Netanyahu has redirected attention to Iran, allowing destabilizing actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and within “Israel” to go largely unchecked. Friedman explains that this strategy strains US relations with key Middle Eastern allies, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, and Qatar.
In Friedman’s view, the internal threat to what he terms “Israel’s democracy” is significant. Netanyahu has pursued judicial reforms that weaken the Supreme Court’s authority, politicize civil service, and exempt ultra-Orthodox Israelis from military service, all of which undermine what he terms the “rule of law.” Friedman emphasizes that these moves endanger what he terms “Israel’s democratic institutions and long-term stability.”
Despite what the author describes as “Israel’s” military strength and technological prowess, Netanyahu’s refusal to negotiate a “two-state” solution blocks potential “peace” with the Arab world. Friedman claims that a serious “peace initiative” could isolate Iran, strengthen regional alliances, and serve US strategic interests, including reducing military commitments while shifting focus toward China.
‘Annexation’ clashes with US policy
Netanyahu’s annexationist ambitions conflict directly with “Trump’s 20-point peace plan.” Remarks by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich about encouraging Palestinian expulsion, coupled with Arab allies and Turkey publicly condemning “Israel’s” West Bank land designations, illustrate the tension. The author warns that “de facto annexation” fuels regional war, claiming that this benefits “Iran rather than American interests.”
“Iran is not the greatest threat to Israel as a democracy governed by the rule of law. It is not the greatest threat to US-Israeli relations. It is not the greatest threat to the unity and security of Jews around the world. It is not the reason so many talented Israeli technologists, engineers, and doctors are moving away. And it is not the biggest reason Israel is becoming an apartheid state, by not only refusing to try anymore to create a separate Palestinian state but by working instead to make that impossible,” Friedman declared.
“That title goes to the government of messianic zealots, Arab-hating nationalists, and anti-modern ultra-Orthodox Israelis put together by Benjamin Netanyahu to keep himself in power,” the three-time Pulitzer Prize winner concluded.
Jew says these jews are good. Name a good jew. Name the good works of the jews. The whole world can do the opposite. The jews play both sides. You argue over it so you don’t ever act. You are their plaything.
Jews ought to know these days it’s not cool being Jew.
Luckily for them they don’t have to be a Jew because Jews are not a race.
Political parties were ramping up their campaigns in the Gorton and Denton by-election which was said to be on a “knife edge”.
Around a quarter of voters are still “undecided” over which party to back, according to a Labour source.
the truth is ” none of the above ” the people just want the migrants returned and will not be fobbed off
The Israeli’s are NOT FAR RIGHT!! They are Cowardly spineless divisive FAR LEFT NAZI’s and have been for centuries!! Whilst always using the ”victim” card
What the f*ck….someone smeared a wad of shit across the top of the page….
@Amalek
race is not dangerous but the demonic tribal
mafia spirit is most dangerous for others .
seems to be a hostil ETalien spirit left over
from their Annunaki creators . both have in
common insidiousness + lust for gold + other
riches .
From “The Great Jewish Masque” (available at archive.org)
“The Jews are not, and have never been a race. They are a mixture of many races; there are lean lank Jews in Spain, fat short Jews in Bavaria, red haired Jews in Russia, and black Jews in Abyssinia and Malabar. Many Jews have black crinkly hair and thick lips, derived from the Moors and the Negroes; many have Semitic features, derived from the Bedouin and the Phoenicians, while others present Mongolian traits. The so called “Jewish” nose is not Semitic; it has been derived from the Hittites. If the Jews were ever a nation with a language and traditions of their own, the place where that nation lived, in ancient times, has yet to be discovered.”