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Bibi, King of Israel?

How Donald Trump could finally bring down Benjamin Netanyahu

As Donald Trump flexes his muscles with a mix of military gifts and iron-fisted demands, the man nicknamed "King Bibi" finds himself trapped in an impossible choice: accept a ceasefire deal he swore to never make, or risk the wrath of a former president whose influence still towers over global politics. With his coalition crumbling and his legacy on the line, Netanyahu's legendary political magic might have finally met its match in Trump's unstoppable force.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu
Photo: AI generated

In the labyrinthine world of Israeli politics, Benjamin Netanyahu has long seemed untouchable, earning him the half-mocking, half-admiring nickname "Bibi King of Israel." But now, an unexpected figure might finally topple his crown: Donald Trump, once his closest international ally.

It was one thing to not listen to demented Joe Biden, whose grip on reality grew more and more tenuous. But Donald Trump is a whole different animal. He has unlimited power and an iron will. What's strange though is that he released 2,000 bombs and D9 armored bulldozers to Israel over the past few days. Notwithstanding that, he seems determined to force an end to this war, no matter the cost to Israel, so the arms he just 'gifted' us with are now largely irrelevant.

The ceasefire deal brokered through Trump's intervention, involving a hostage exchange with Hamas, has created hairline fractures in Netanyahu's carefully constructed political fortress. These cracks could potentially spread into fatal fissures for his leadership, marking a stunning reversal in the Netanyahu-Trump dynamic that once seemed unshakeable.

For Netanyahu, who has built his political brand on projecting strength and refusing to negotiate with Hamas, the acceptance of this deal represents more than just a policy shift – it's a potential death knell for his political narrative. His far-right coalition partners, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have staked their political futures on promises of "total victory," now find themselves in an untenable position. Their choice is stark: either swallow this bitter pill or withdraw from the coalition, potentially triggering the collapse of Netanyahu's government.

The irony is palpable. Trump, whose presidency gave Netanyahu unprecedented diplomatic victories – from moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem to brokering the Abraham Accords – may now be the catalyst for his political downfall. Through his envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump effectively forced Netanyahu's hand, demonstrating that even the "King of Israel" must bow to certain pressures.

The timing couldn't be worse for Netanyahu. Already facing corruption trials and growing public discontent over his handling of the conflict, this deal threatens to erode his core support base. For years, Netanyahu has masterfully played the role of Israel's indispensable guardian, the only leader tough enough to protect the nation's security interests. This image has helped him weather countless political storms, from corruption allegations to coalition crises.

But this time might be different. The deal exposes a vulnerability in Netanyahu's carefully cultivated image of strength. His acceptance of terms he previously rejected could be interpreted as capitulation, not just to Hamas but to external pressure from Trump. For a leader whose political survival has depended on projecting unwavering strength, this perception of weakness could prove fatal.

Moreover, the deal creates an opening for Netanyahu's opponents across the political spectrum. Centrist and left-wing parties can argue that his initial rejection of similar deals unnecessarily prolonged the hostages' captivity, while right-wing rivals can paint him as weak for ultimately accepting the terms. This pincer movement could finally break Netanyahu's seemingly impregnable political position.

Netanyahu has earned his reputation for political survival, repeatedly defying predictions of his demise. His ability to emerge stronger from apparent defeats has become almost legendary in Israeli politics. However, the convergence of pressures he now faces – from coalition instability and corruption trials to public discontent and this forced compromise – might prove too much even for his legendary political acumen.

The ultimate irony is that Netanyahu's downfall could come not from his numerous domestic opponents, but from the very international alliance he considered his greatest achievement. Trump's intervention, while potentially securing the release of hostages, may have inadvertently written the final chapter in the political saga of "King Bibi."

As Israel grapples with the aftermath of this deal, one thing becomes clear: even political kings aren't immune to the law of unintended consequences. Netanyahu's decades-long reign might end not with a bang, but with a deal he couldn't refuse, orchestrated by the very ally he thought he could always count on.

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