Got on well: Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu
Photo: RONEN ZVULUN / REUTERS
Donald Trump was popular in Israel like no other US president: According to a survey, 70 percent of Jewish Israelis wanted his re-election.
How come
And what does Biden's victory mean for a possible peace process with the Palestinians?
A conversation with Eytan Gilboa, an expert on American-Israeli relations.
SPIEGEL
: Professor Gilboa, why is Donald Trump so popular in Israel?
Gilboa
: Trump did many things during his tenure that are seen as beneficial to Israel.
For example, he moved the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognized the Golan Heights, which once belonged to Syria, as Israeli national territory.
He has also left the nuclear deal with Iran.
Trump was considered Israel's best friend.
Many Israelis worry that Biden will become a modified version of Barack Obama.
And many were not happy with Obama.
SPIEGEL
: What was the problem with Obama?
Gilboa
: He wanted to improve relations with the Arab world - too close a friendship with Israel was not conducive to that.
The connection between Israel and the US has always been considered unique, but Obama failed to adhere to that doctrine.
And he blamed Israel for the failure of the peace process with the Palestinians.
But it must also be said that he never touched military cooperation between Israel and the US.
Read more with Spiegel Plus
More perspectives, more understanding.
Your advantages with SPIEGEL +
Icon: Check
SPIEGEL as a magazine
as an app, e-paper and on the e-reader
Icon: Check
All articles on SPIEGEL.de
Exclusive texts for SPIEGEL + readers
Icon: Check
Try one month for free
Cancel anytime online
A price
only € 19.99 per month
One month for € 0.00
Try now for 0.00 € Buy nowArrow to the right
Already have a digital subscription? Register here
Restore iTunes subscription
SPIEGEL + is processed via your iTunes account and paid for with a purchase confirmation.
24 hours before it expires, the subscription is automatically renewed by one month at the current price of 19.99 €
You can cancel the subscription at any time in the settings of your iTunes account.
In order to use SPIEGEL + outside of this app, you must link the subscription to a SPIEGEL ID account immediately after purchase.
With the purchase you accept our general terms and conditions and privacy policy.
