Trump posts video calling Netanyahu 'deep, dark son of a b***h’

Weeks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he had warm and friendly talks with the US President-elect Donald Trump about hostage releases, the latter shared an inflammatory video in which he can be heard calling Netanyahu a 'deep, dark son of a bitch.

Trump shared the controversial video on his Truth Social platform, featuring economist Jeffrey Sachs, who criticizes Netanyahu for allegedly manipulating U.S. foreign policy and contributing to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, The Guardian reported.

Sachs, speaking at a Cambridge Union event, accuses Netanyahu of implementing a strategy since 1995 to dismantle groups like Hamas and Hezbollah by targeting supportive governments in Iraq, Iran, and Syria. He attributes the continuous wars to Netanyahu’s influence on U.S. politics through powerful pro-Israel lobbying groups.

Trump's motivation for promoting the video remains unclear. Known for sharing content critical of Washington's establishment policies, this repost coincides with intense diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the current U.S. administration to broker a truce that includes hostage releases.

The president-elect's selections for key positions in his administration have also drawn attention. His nominee for Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, opposes a Gaza ceasefire, advocating for the complete eradication of Hamas. Representative Elise Stefanik, chosen as U.N. ambassador, has dismissed the U.N. for its criticism of civilian casualties in Gaza. Mike Huckabee, nominated as ambassador to Israel, has denied the existence of the West Bank, and his past comments undermine Palestinian identity. Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth, known for his crusader-associated tattoos, has raised diplomatic concerns.

Trump has issued stern warnings to Hamas regarding the release of hostages, with approximately 100 hostages remaining in Gaza after 15 months of conflict. The war has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths and the displacement of the majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

Trump and Netanyahu have shared a mutually beneficial yet unpredictable relationship. During Trump's first term, significant diplomatic moves, such as recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and supporting the Abraham Accords, benefited Netanyahu.

However, tensions arose when Netanyahu congratulated Biden on his 2020 election victory, prompting Trump to sever communication.

Trump's potential return to office could align with Netanyahu's expansionist agenda, particularly concerning settlement expansion and possible annexation in the West Bank. The Israeli government has not commented on Trump's recent repost, while Sachs expressed hope for a shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump.