Netanyahu Accused of Playing Trump, American Jews for Fools

Bibi's policies in Gaza, West Bank threaten U.S. interests, Jewish security worldwide, columnist says

Feb. 20, 2026 at 3:07am

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In a scathing opinion piece, New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman accuses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of cynically manipulating President Trump and American Jewish leaders to focus on the Iranian threat while ignoring Netanyahu's destructive policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. Friedman argues that Netanyahu's efforts to annex the West Bank and maintain control over Gaza are morally reckless, demographically unsustainable, and will have serious detrimental implications for U.S. interests and the security of Jews worldwide.

Why it matters

Friedman contends that Netanyahu's hardline policies in the occupied territories are a greater threat to Israel's democracy and standing in the world than Iran's reduced but still real nuclear threat. He warns that Netanyahu's actions will strain ties between the U.S. and its key Middle East allies and accelerate a trend of growing opposition to Israel among young Democrats and Republicans.

The details

Friedman cites former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert's description of "a violent and criminal effort" by "Jewish terrorists" to "ethnically cleanse" Palestinians from the West Bank through attacks, home invasions, and destruction of property. He argues that Netanyahu's push for West Bank annexation and permanent control over Gaza is as "morally reckless and demographically insane" as the U.S. annexing Mexico. Friedman also accuses Netanyahu of undermining Israel's rule of law by trying to eliminate the Supreme Court's ability to check the governing party's excesses.

  • On Tuesday, Netanyahu's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would "encourage the migration" of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza if elected.
  • On Tuesday, key U.S. Arab allies and Turkey condemned Israel's decision to designate occupied West Bank land as Israeli state land.

The players

Benjamin Netanyahu

The current Prime Minister of Israel, leading a far-right government accused of pursuing destructive policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whom Friedman accuses Netanyahu of manipulating to focus on the Iranian threat while ignoring Netanyahu's actions in the West Bank and Gaza.

Ehud Olmert

A former Prime Minister of Israel who described the "violent and criminal effort" by "Jewish terrorists" to "ethnically cleanse" Palestinians from the West Bank.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A U.S. Representative who recently questioned whether the 2028 Democratic presidential candidate should re-evaluate military aid to Israel given the "genocide in Gaza."

Gali Baharav-Miara

Israel's independent Attorney General, who is the "only thing standing in the way of further assaults on a rules-based government" according to Friedman.

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What they’re saying

“A violent and criminal effort is underway to ethnically cleanse territories in the West Bank. Gangs of armed settlers persecute, harm, wound and even kill Palestinians living there. The rampages include burning olive groves, houses and cars; breaking into homes; and physically assaulting people.”

— Ehud Olmert, Former Israeli Prime Minister

“I think it enabled a genocide in Gaza.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

What’s next

The judge in Netanyahu's corruption trial will decide on Tuesday whether to pardon him, which Friedman says would be "a terrible blow to the rule of law in Israel."

The takeaway

Friedman argues that Netanyahu's hardline policies in the occupied territories pose a greater threat to Israel's democracy and standing in the world than Iran, and that his actions will strain U.S. ties with key Middle East allies while accelerating opposition to Israel among young American voters.