Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces the ultimate test of loyalty as he meets with President Donald Trump on Monday. He will be forced to choose between his own long-held political and security ideology and the explicit demands of his nation’s most indispensable ally, the United States.
Netanyahu’s ideology is clear and has been consistent for decades. It is rooted in a belief that Israel must be militarily dominant, self-reliant, and deeply skeptical of international agreements that could compromise its security. His vow to “finish the job” against Hamas and his rejection of the Palestinian Authority are direct expressions of this worldview.
The U.S. alliance, however, is the bedrock of Israel’s national security and international standing. The financial, military, and diplomatic support from Washington is unparalleled. President Trump is now cashing in the political capital of that alliance, presenting a peace plan and clearly expecting Netanyahu to fall in line.
This creates an acute dilemma for the Israeli leader. To accept the deal would mean compromising on his core ideological beliefs about how to best secure Israel’s future. It would mean trusting in a process—involving a ceasefire, international bodies, and a reformed PA—that his instincts tell him is dangerously flawed.
To reject the deal, however, would be an act of defiance against his most powerful friend, risking a rift that could have severe long-term consequences for Israel. Netanyahu’s choice is not just about a single peace plan; it’s a fundamental decision about whether his loyalty lies with his own ideological compass or with the strategic imperative of the U.S. alliance.