US Now a Spectator in the Middle East

The Middle East is undergoing a realignment of power. With Israel's attack on Iranian nuclear sites and the assassination of at least two of Iran's senior security officials, Benjamin Netanyahu is showing his willingness to go it alone and ignore pressure from the Trump administration.

- NATASHA LINDSTAEDT

Though Donald Trump sought diplomatic solutions to the growing tensions between Israel and Iran, it appears that the US president, despite his previously strong relationship with the Israeli leader, was unable to restrain Netanyahu.

The timing of the strikes is important. The Trump administration probably knew that they could not prevent Israel from striking Iran, but they did think they could pressure Israel to hold off launching an attack until after the US had solidified a new nuclear deal with Iran, talks for which were scheduled for June 15.

Just hours before the air strikes, Trump said: "As long as I think there will be an agreement [with Iran], I don't want them going in."

Experts had been divided in the past, over how much leverage the US held over Israel.

Trump, following months of groundwork laid by the Joe Biden administration, managed to secure a ceasefire deal with Israel in January. But as part of the negotiation, Netanyahu succeeded in reversing sanctions on settlers in the West Bank, giving him free rein to act there. Additionally, the US also lifted its freeze on the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, another concession that benefited Israel.

The US also proved unwilling or incapable of stopping the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in Gaza. Washington also appeared powerless to stop Israel's pounding of Lebanon and its efforts to eradicate the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah.