Waiting Game

wo countries are holding their breath, awaiting a decision from a man for whom surprise is an art form. It isn’t only Iranian citizens waiting for President Trump to make good on his promise; in Israel too — right after the return of the last hostage — everyone is on shpilkes.

Israel is entering the third week of “the waiting period,” as people are calling it. Some have gone all the way and stocked their homes with two months’ worth of supplies; others have chosen to tune out the chatter and carry on with routine life. But a huge question mark is hovering over the country like a dark cloud.

This is not like the waiting periods that came before previous regional wars, such as the 1991 Gulf War. Then, Israel absorbed the ricochets in the first round, but it played no role in the subsequent military campaign.

Anyone tracking the movements of senior American and Israeli security officials over the last couple of weeks — these are extended stays, not quick visits — understands that this time around, the Americans are relying on Israel no less than Netanyahu depends on Trump.