Zelensky should have used business terminology: Return on investment (ROI) deals and competitive advantage, rather than aid and moral obligations
Zelensky could have framed Russia and China as competitors for Ukraine’s resources, emphasizing that Trump could secure a better deal for the US
Israel must take note. As Israel navigates complex foreign policy challenges, it cannot assume that traditional diplomatic norms remain intact
Just as Zelensky engaged in a discussion about values while Trump sought a negotiation based on interests, Israel must recognize that in a world where alliances are increasingly transactional, gratitude is not a currency and moral arguments do not outweigh strategic calculations
In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, Israel must ensure that it provides tangible value to each strategic partner – whether through technology, intelligence or geopolitical advantages
If even Ukraine, a nation at war, is expected to offer something in return for support, Israel [at war too] cannot afford to assume that it will receive unconditional backing indefinitely
*Dr. Liraz Margalit is a psychology professor at Reichman University, lecturer and writer with a specialization in game theory and behavioral economics
