People posing for a photo under a mural that depicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump kissing, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem in 2017. Credit: Mussa Qawasama/ReutersEven a grand gesture by Trump before Israel's elections – such as a personal visit – may not be enough to turn around the consistent downward trend in Netanyahu's polling. But this begs a more pressing question: Isn't it dangerous for the U.S.-Israel relationship to hinge on a soap opera between the two leaders?06:03 PM • July 09 2026 IDTWhen every day in the Middle East brings fresh dread, yesterday can feel like ancient history. On Saturday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump told the Israeli journalist Barak Ravid of Axios that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had requested a personal visit, which might have happened this week. By Thursday, there was no visit, and the headline was barely a memory.In the NewsCan Trump Save Netanyahu Politically? That's the Wrong QuestionArgentina's Soccer Team Crest Was Designed by a Jewish Superfan 50 Years AgoZini Says Shin Bet Will Safeguard Elections Amid CriticismIran Says U.S. Strikes Targeted Bushehr Nuclear Plant, Warns of RetaliationWhat Is the Purpose of a Jewish Museum in Europe After October 7?Remembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIIsrael Has Long Ignored Warnings of a 'Diplomatic Tsunami.' Now It Has ArrivedDumber Than a 10-year-old: Are Israeli Students Really That Stupid?The 'Special Relationship' Is Gone, and Israel Isn't Ready for What's ComingAn Israeli Principal Desegregated a Tel Aviv School. Here's What HappenedAs Israel Lacks Hundreds of Patrol Officers, West Bank Staff DoublesIsraeli Cop Filmed Throwing Stun Grenade Into Car, Trapping Palestinians Inside