Nothing captured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s isolation more starkly this week than the image of U.S. President Donald Trump shaking hands with Syria’s international pariah, President Bashar al-Assad. It was a moment that highlighted the growing divide between Israel and the rest of the world, and served as a wake-up call for Netanyahu to reevaluate his policies and approach towards the ongoing conflict in Syria.
The handshake between Trump and Assad took place at the United Nations General Assembly, where world leaders gathered to discuss pressing global issues. While the rest of the world was focused on finding a solution to the Syrian crisis, Netanyahu seemed to be more preoccupied with his own political agenda. His speech at the General Assembly was filled with rhetoric against Iran and the nuclear deal, completely ignoring the plight of the Syrian people and the role of the Assad regime in the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Netanyahu’s isolation was further highlighted by the fact that he was one of the few world leaders who did not meet with Trump during the General Assembly. This is a stark contrast to previous years, where the Israeli Prime Minister was seen as one of the most influential leaders in the international arena. But as the conflict in Syria continues to escalate and the world looks for solutions, Netanyahu’s policies and actions have left him increasingly isolated.
The handshake between Trump and Assad was not just a symbolic gesture, but a clear message to Netanyahu that the U.S. is willing to engage with all parties involved in the Syrian conflict in order to find a resolution. This is a departure from the previous administration’s approach, which focused solely on supporting Israel’s interests in the region. Trump’s willingness to engage with Assad also shows a shift in the U.S.’s stance towards the Syrian regime, which was previously seen as a pariah state.
Netanyahu’s isolation is not just limited to the international arena, but also within his own country. His hardline stance on the Syrian crisis and his refusal to engage with the Assad regime has been met with criticism from both the opposition and members of his own government. Many have pointed out that Israel’s security is directly linked to the stability of its neighboring countries, and that Netanyahu’s policies are doing more harm than good.
Moreover, Israel’s relationship with its closest ally, the U.S., has also been strained under Netanyahu’s leadership. The Israeli Prime Minister’s open opposition to the Iran nuclear deal has put him at odds with the Obama administration, and now with Trump’s willingness to engage with Assad, Netanyahu’s isolation has only deepened.
It is time for Netanyahu to reassess his policies and approach towards the Syrian conflict. Instead of isolating himself and Israel from the rest of the world, he should take a more proactive role in finding a solution to the crisis. This includes engaging with all parties involved, including the Assad regime, and working towards a peaceful resolution that will benefit both Israel and the region as a whole.
Netanyahu’s isolation is not just a problem for Israel, but for the entire international community. As the conflict in Syria continues to escalate and the humanitarian crisis worsens, it is imperative for all world leaders to come together and find a solution. The handshake between Trump and Assad serves as a reminder that no one can afford to be isolated in this globalized world, and that cooperation and dialogue are key to resolving conflicts.
In conclusion, the image of Trump shaking hands with Assad serves as a stark reminder of Netanyahu’s isolation in the international arena. It is time for the Israeli Prime Minister to reassess his policies and take a more proactive role in finding a solution to the Syrian crisis. The world is watching, and it is time for Netanyahu to step up and be a part of the solution, rather than remaining isolated on the sidelines.