One should not confuse friendship with compliance

True friendship between nations is measured by concrete actions.

When Donald Trump criticizes Israel, many are quick to conclude that he has turned his back on the Jewish state. When he clashes with Benjamin Netanyahu, headlines immediately declare a crisis in relations between Washington and Jerusalem. When he demands greater restraint in Lebanon or expresses dissatisfaction with the Israeli government's actions, there are always those ready to proclaim the end of the special friendship between the United States and Israel.

However, history demonstrates the exact opposite.

True friendship between nations is not measured by the absence of disagreements. It is measured by actions.

Following the tragedy of October 7, Israel found itself on the front lines of a battle not only for its own national survival, but for the future of the entire free world. In times like these, it is crucial to distinguish emotional reactions to individual statements from strategic reality.

The strategic reality is that Donald Trump was, and remains, one of the most consistent friends of Israel among all modern world leaders.

Admittedly, Trump stated he disliked the strike on Beirut. He asserted that Netanyahu must exercise greater responsibility. He reminded the world that, as President of the United States, his primary duty is to protect American interests.

But is this truly news?

An American president is indeed obligated to protect American interests; any other approach would constitute a betrayal of their own citizens. The question is not whether Trump puts America first. The real question is where Israel stands within his framework of priorities.

The answer here is self-evident.

It was Donald Trump who made the decisive determinations that his predecessors avoided for decades. He recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocated the American embassy there. He recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He withdrew the United States from the hazardous Iran nuclear deal. He brokered the Abraham Accords, which transformed the entire Middle East and proved that peace between Israel and Arab nations is achievable without capitulating to terror.

In effect, Trump initiated the construction of a new regional security architecture, the results of which we are witnessing today.

Prior to his presidency, the Middle East was dominated by a doctrine of endless concessions to radical regimes. Since then, a new paradigm has emerged—an alliance of moderate states standing against extremism, Iranian expansionism, and international terrorism.

It is this very concept that currently underpins Israel's cooperation with numerous Arab nations in the region.

It is highly telling that even now, while Trump speaks of the necessity for agreements and diplomacy, he simultaneously recalls his own confrontation of the Iranian regime and his unwavering support for Israel at times when many advised him to exercise greater caution.

Many today evaluate relations between leaders based on isolated headlines and emotional quotes. Serious statesmanship, however, demands a longer memory.

I distinctly recall Donald Trump's efforts to end the bloodshed and bring the hostages home. These efforts command not only sincere gratitude, but also a significant measure of trust. At that juncture, he succeeded in achieving what many deemed impossible, leveraging his full political weight, influence, and authority to save human lives and restore hope to families living in limbo between despair and anticipation.

This is precisely why, when his critical remarks regarding Israel or the Israeli leadership are heard today, I choose to focus on tangible deeds rather than isolated statements. Trust is earned through actions, and the actions of Donald Trump speak for themselves.

In politics, there is a simple criterion: one must look not at individual quotes, but at the entirety of a leader's record.

In recent years, Israel has endured wars, terrorist attacks, international pressure, and unprecedented security challenges. throughout this entire period, Donald Trump has demonstrated an understanding that Israel's security is not only an Israeli interest, but a vital interest of the entire democratic world.

Following October 7, this truth became obvious even to those who previously chose to ignore it.

Today, Israel is engaged in a struggle against forces that threaten not only the Jewish state, but the very concept of a free society. Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian proxies are components of a single apparatus challenging the civilized world.

Trump understands this threat.

Consequently, even when tactical disagreements arise between him and the Israeli leadership, the broader strategic picture remains unchanged.

One may debate methods, discuss operational timelines, and disagree on specific diplomatic maneuvers. But it is impossible to deny the essential truth: Donald Trump has made an immense contribution to strengthening Israel's security and shaping a new Middle Eastern reality—one in which the Jewish state is not an isolated outpost, but a cornerstone of a regional partnership.

One must not confuse friendship with unconditional agreement.

True friends are not required to agree on every issue. They may debate tactics, criticize specific choices, and hold differing views on how to achieve their objectives. Genuine friendship, however, is tested not in times of agreement, but in moments of adversity.

The history of recent years demonstrates that during Israel's most challenging days, Donald Trump consistently stood by its side. For this reason, his words command attention, and his actions merit deep gratitude and trust.

I remain firmly convinced that, regardless of any current disagreements, Donald Trump remains one of the most steadfast friends of Israel and the Jewish people.