People are Panicking Over Trump's Iran Deal. I'm Thanking President Trump

 

President Trump’s latest announcement regarding a deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran has many people angry, disappointed, and even feeling betrayed. I know this will surprise some people, but my reaction is different. I want to say thank you. Thank you, President Trump. Not because I think this deal is good. I don't. Not because I trust the Islamic Republic of Iran. I don't. And certainly not because I believe this war is over. It isn't over at all. I am thankful because this moment is forcing Israelis and Jews around the world to confront a truth we have avoided for far too long: our future cannot depend on any foreign leader, no matter how friendly, powerful, or supportive he may be. For decades, Israel has fallen into the trap of believing that our security ultimately rests in Washington, foreign aid packages, diplomatic guarantees, or the goodwill of world leaders. History teaches the exact opposite. No nation came to save us in our 1948 War of Independence. France supplied weapons before the miraculous Six-Day War in 1967, but we did not win because of foreign governments. We won because of courage, sacrifice, determination, and miracles that unfolded on the battlefield. The Jewish people survive when we take responsibility for our destiny and place our trust in Hashem. That is exactly what this moment is reminding us. And honestly, I am not even worried about this deal. First, there is no actual deal yet. If something is signed, it is expected to be little more than a memorandum of understanding outlining a framework for a 60-day ceasefire. Second, Iran is already threatening not to move forward unless Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and unless billions of dollars in frozen assets are released. Neither demand appears realistic. The U.S. State Department has already indicated that any Lebanese security arrangement is focused on Hezbollah moving north of the Litani River, not Israel abandoning its security positions. Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister has declared that Israel will remain in its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has made clear that Israel is not bound by any American memorandum regarding Iran. Israel is still operating in Lebanon. Israel still has freedom of action. Israel still has the final say regarding Israel's security. And for that, Netanyahu deserves credit for navigating the alliance with President Trump while preserving Israel's independence. In many ways, President Trump may actually be doing us a favor. Throughout this war, the Trump administration has been an extraordinary partner—more supportive than any American administration in modern history. But alliances are not perfect. America's interests and Israel's interests overlap, but they are not identical. America is heading toward midterm elections. American politicians will do what they believe serves American interests. Israel must do what serves Israel's interests. Perhaps America will continue helping us. Perhaps military pressure will resume when Iran inevitably refuses to meet the deal's conditions. Perhaps there are surprises still ahead. We will see. What I find most interesting is Vice President Vance's argument that Iran will only receive the reported $300 billion reconstruction package if it fulfills its obligations, including permanently giving up any path to nuclear weapons. That sounds reassuring. The problem is that I do not believe for one second that the Islamic Republic will ever agree to that. The regime has spent more than four decades deceiving Western governments while advancing its revolutionary agenda. Why should this time be different? Iran's rulers view nuclear capability as essential to their survival and to their broader ideological ambitions. They are not going to voluntarily surrender that objective. Which raises the real question: If Iran is never going to fully implement the agreement, what is the purpose of this 60-day ceasefire? One possible explanation is political. For years, Trump has faced criticism from parts of the populist and conservative movement claiming he is too aligned with Netanyahu and Israel. By publicly creating distance, criticizing Netanyahu, and pursuing diplomacy first, Trump can demonstrate to those voters that he is making decisions based on what he believes is best for America. That may strengthen his position heading into the midterm elections. Don't panic. Don't place your faith in Trump. Don't place your faith in Netanyahu. Don't place your faith in any human leader. Place your faith in Hashem. The God of Israel has carried our people through far greater challenges than this one.