U.S. President Donald Trump insists on remaining in the eye of controversy—colliding at times with norms, at others with ethics, humanity, or principles—projecting the image of an unpredictable man, yet one who, paradoxically, seems “easy to read” at first glance. He appears to believe this is the shortest route to stay in the spotlight, magnified by media amplification.

Yet, Trump—who, just a few weeks ago, led everyone to think he had fallen out with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompting talk of a “political divorce” between the two—has now appointed himself Netanyahu’s advocate and loyal ally, willing to go to any lengths to save him.

In a post on his “Truth Social” platform, Trump described Netanyahu’s trial and subsequent interrogations—post-war with Iran—as “a ridiculous, vicious campaign against Israel’s great prime minister in a time of war,” adding they had “been through hell together,” facing an old, strong, and clever enemy—Iran. He further declared that “Bibi has never been smarter or stronger or more in love with the Holy Land than he is right now.”

Trump praised Netanyahu as a “historic warrior” who destroyed one of the world’s largest, most potent nuclear weapons programs to secure Israel’s survival. “There has never been anyone in Israel’s history who has killed more powerfully or efficiently than Bibi Netanyahu,” he said, dismissing the charges against him as politically motivated. Trump added that Netanyahu had faced a “nightmare show” since his trial began in 2020.

Trump’s fierce defense of Netanyahu—unprecedented, even among the Israeli leader’s inner circle—marks extraordinary U.S. interference in Israel’s judicial system. It has raised many questions about his motives, especially given how starkly this posture contrasts with his recent provocations toward Netanyahu.

What underlies this suspiciously close, politically charged alliance? And how far-reaching is their hidden understanding—particularly amid the current turmoil of war and politics?

Two Sides of the Same Coin

It has become clear that Trump and Netanyahu are two sides of the same coin: one mind in two bodies. Both share arrogance, hubris, and extreme right-wing tendencies; both are consumed by grandiosity and authoritarian impulses. They love the limelight, camera flashes, and public attention.

Neither hesitates to install himself as a “prophet of peace,” a “divine messenger,” the savior against “Islamic terrorism,” championing Western civilization against “barbaric” Arabs and Persians, defending “white purity” from “colored” outsiders.

Their veins flow with racism and populism, drawing strength from extreme-right bases, adept at nationalist‑religious rhetoric. Both have a history of deception, word‑games, falsehoods, narrative manipulation, and abrupt shifts in position—as if reciting from the same script.

Even their body language broadcasts the same message: arrogance and authoritarianism wrapped in superficially gentle expressions, concealing unprecedented brutality and political malevolence.

Partners in Glory

Trump and Netanyahu meet at the edge of absolute ego and emotional impulsiveness. Both are unapologetically self‑centered, chasing personal glory and historical immortality, regardless of cost—even at the expense of the state, law, and constitutional integrity.

Netanyahu has not hesitated to drag his country into futile wars or open multiple fronts—even as Israel’s home front faces deep crises. He has opened new fronts in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and even Yemen and Iran, regardless of internal resistance, to secure his political survival and evade legal accountability.

Trump pursued his own personal ambitions under the slogan “America First,” dreaming of a Nobel Peace Prize, imposing massive tariffs, defying long-standing European allies, building an unusual bond with Vladimir Putin—over the objections of U.S. intelligence.

Netanyahu, too, built murky ties with Putin—but unlike Trump, he faced no significant domestic backlash, thanks to his talent for balancing contradictions and exploiting red lines.

Shared Corruption

Both men are mired in corruption scandals and legal peril. Netanyahu is embroiled in three major cases:

1. Case 1: Fraud and breach of trust—receiving luxurious gifts (approximately ₪700,000) from Hollywood magnate Arnon Milchan.

2. Case 2: Shady dealings with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher to weaken rival Israel Hayom.

3. Case 3 (Bezeq‑Walla): Charged with bribery and fraud over regulatory decisions favoring telecom tycoon Shaoul Elovitch—potentially risking life imprisonment.

Trump is similarly targeted:

• New York (starting April 22, 2024): “Hush‑money” case—allegedly paying Stormy Daniels to suppress a sex scandal.

• Georgia: Trying to overturn the 2020 election results.

• Congress/J6: Indictments related to the January 6 Capitol riot and mishandling classified documents.

• Defamation/harassment: Sued by journalist E. Jean Carroll, losing millions in settlements.

Remarkably, both faced major legal blows nearly simultaneously: Netanyahu with charges in February 2019; Trump with public testimony labeling him a “con man and racist” from his own lawyer Michael Cohen.

When asked at the Hanoi summit about Netanyahu’s charges, Trump called him “strong, smart, and defensive… he built a great army.” Netanyahu responded with admiration, highlighting his relationship-building across global powers and its role in securing Israel.

A Political Card Held by Trump

A purely personal bond doesn’t fully explain this alliance—Trump is fiercely pragmatic, and alliances falter when personal gain runs dry. Netanyahu, however, is a valuable political tool for Trump: he helped solidify Republican support, diverted Israeli‑leaning donors from Democrats, and strengthened Trump’s position across both his presidential terms.

Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller wrote in Politico that Netanyahu “—charismatic, fluent in English, respected by U.S. conservatives for his fierce stance against Obama and the Iran deal—was ready to be Trump’s political asset, turning the GOP into staunch supporters of Israel…”

The Ideal Partner in the Political Arena

Their alignment—psychological, ideological, strategic—makes them perfect partners on the political stage. Trump needed someone like Netanyahu to project American influence in the Middle East, counterbalancing Biden and reasserting regional dominance via Israeli actions in Syria, Lebanon, Tehran, and Yemen.

For Netanyahu, Trump served as the ultimate shield—politically, militarily, economically—while Israel balanced multiple fronts. Trump provided protection within international forums such as the UN Security Council, where Israel faced intense scrutiny.

They read each other like mirrors—each sees in the other a symbolic reflection of himself. Netanyahu’s fate flags Trump’s own legal and political vulnerabilities.

Illusion of Conflict… A Synchronized Performance

Social psychologists note that too much similarity can spark both attraction and tension—but the latter is reined in by shared self‑interests. The supposed public disagreements between Trump and Netanyahu—portrayed as splits over policy or strategy—were, in reality, strategic performances. Disputes were about tactics, not goals.

When Trump hinted at back‑channel negotiations with Iran—reportedly escalating tensions with Netanyahu—it was actually a coordinated effort: a preemptive strike plot against Tehran in close sync with Israeli plans.

The same applied to Gaza: while the U.S. engaged Hamas in dialogue contrary to Israeli public policy, Trump simultaneously supported Israeli military operations—providing Netanyahu with political and military breathing space.