Netanyahu's 'Unforgivable' Missteps: Why Trump Imposed a 17% Tariff

Netanyahu's Actions Against Trump: Two Key Missteps and the 17% Tariff. The relationship between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump was marked by periods of close cooperation and significant tension. One point of major contention was Netanyahu's early congratulations to Joe Biden after the 2020 US Presidential elections, while Trump was still disputing the results. This action, according to political analyst Simon Marks, was seen by Trump as a betrayal. "Netanyahu was the first foreign leader to call Joe Biden and congratulate him," Marks stated. Adding to the strain was Israel's growing trade deficit with the US. This led to Trump's imposition of a 17% tariff on Israeli goods on Liberation Day. Marks explains that Netanyahu's actions were calculated, hoping to avoid punishment or at least minimize the consequences. However, Trump's response highlighted the complexities of the relationship between these two key political figures. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in international relations and the potential consequences of political decisions.