125: Did Netanyahu misread Trump? With Ross Douthat

The US-Israel relationship faces significant strain following the recent war in Gaza and the subsequent memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. While the conflict avoided a catastrophic global economic crisis, it exposed deep divisions within American political discourse, where Israel is increasingly viewed through the lens of domestic culture wars. The administration’s approach to Iran, influenced by Netanyahu’s push for regime change, highlights the limits of American power and the lack of a long-term strategy for sustained conflict. Furthermore, the rise of anti-Israel sentiment on both the political left and right—driven by a combination of algorithmic echo chambers, resurgent anti-Semitism, and a rejection of establishment pieties—threatens the historical consensus that once underpinned the alliance. Navigating this new reality requires Israel to move beyond traditional narratives and engage more effectively with its Western supporters.