On a Wing and a Prayer: Trump in Israel

RELIGIOUS ELEMENT “The fact that the president understands there is a religious element here and that he’s not ashamed to talk about it to deal with it and cope with it is very important ” says Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Yaakov Amidror (Photos: AFP/Imagebank Flash90)

D onald Trump looked out of his element surrounded by hundreds of swashbuckling young Saudi Arabians brandishing swords during a 12-minute ceremonial ardah or sword dance. This was the same Donald Trump whose acceptance speech at the Republican convention included the words: “We are going to defeat the barbarians of ISIS and we are going to defeat them fast.” And here he was in Riyadh Saudi Arabia one of the grand capitals of the global jihad movement sword in hand trying to get with the rhythm.

Other members of the Trump entourage displayed a range of reactions. The first lady Melania tried valiantly to conceal her discomfort. Ivanka Trump got a kick out of the spectacle chief of staff Reince Priebus wore a “get me out of here fast” look while Steve Bannon whose cultural tolerance has been brought into question by some kept a poker face.

The glittery reception was equally disconcerting for Israeli officials who felt forced to play second fiddle to Saudi Arabia on the first two days of President Trump’s inaugural foreign tour. Israelis suffer from chronic insecurity over their relationship with Uncle Sam. The ten-year $350 billion armaments and commercial trade deal that Trump swung with Saudi King Salman — vastly dwarfing Israel’s annual $3.8 billion military package that comes with a lot of strings attached — sent jitters through a nervous Israeli government bickering over the details of Trump’s visit.