Trump Invitation to Netanyahu 8 days after the inauguration
Netanyahu has an invitation in hand just 8 days after the inauguration, with the meeting to take place on day 15 of the new presidency
If volumes were read into the time it took Biden to call Netanyahu or invite him to the White House, then – in all fairness – equal attention should be paid to the speed with which the prime minister was invited this time
Fast forward four years from Biden... So what does it mean? First, if the delays signaled distance between Jerusalem and Washington, the quickness of the visit signals closeness
By swiftly inviting Netanyahu to the White House, Trump is sending a clear message to the region and beyond: Netanyahu and Israel are his close friends. That is an important message to project early on
This gesture shows allies and adversaries alike that the US-Israel relationship is back on very firm footing and Washington’s support for Jerusalem is unwavering
This perception is critical in a region where symbolism matters a great deal
