Trump’s Hesitation With Netanyahu and Putin Erodes U.S. Leverage
Despite vast influence over Israel and Russia, President Trump has hesitated to use American power, raising concerns about Washington’s role in Gaza and Ukraine.
Executive Brief
- Paradox: Trump frames himself as a peacemaker but has avoided applying direct leverage in Gaza and Ukraine—the two conflicts he most often vows to end.
- Israel: Netanyahu proceeded with strikes in Qatar that blindsided Washington, even as hostages remain in jeopardy.
- Russia: After meeting Trump, Putin escalated drone attacks, including incursions over NATO airspace in Poland.
- Response: Trump’s reactions have been muted—vague social posts, new sanction “conditions,” and minimal U.S. reinforcement to NATO allies.
- Risk: Analysts warn that passivity diminishes U.S. credibility and empowers adversaries and allies to act unilaterally.
Leverage Washington Isn’t Using
The U.S. equips Israel with over $3 billion annually, providing significant influence that could be exercised by slowing deliveries or conditioning usage. Similarly, Trump could escalate sanctions against Russia’s energy sector but has instead introduced prerequisites critics call delay tactics.
- Israel front: Netanyahu cultivates Trump with flattery, limiting U.S. pushback even as humanitarian crises worsen in Gaza.
- Russia front: Sanctions enforcement is inconsistent—India pressured, China spared—while U.S. arms to Kyiv remain restricted compared with allies.
Strategic & Political Fallout
- NATO cohesion: European members stepped up air defenses after drone incursions, but no new U.S. assets were committed.
- Domestic optics: Trump positions the wars as “Biden’s and Zelenskyy’s” while maintaining personal ties with Netanyahu and Putin.
- Critic view: Experts argue Trump is surrendering leverage, allowing others to set conflict tempo, undermining America’s global standing.
What to Watch Next
- Whether Trump conditions future military support to Israel as Gaza operations escalate.
- Congressional pressure on the administration to toughen sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.
- NATO’s evolving eastern-flank deployments and whether the U.S. joins in stronger deterrence measures.
