Changes

===Relations with the Obama Administration===

===Relations with the Obama Administration===

Netanyahu has had very poor relations with the leftist U.S. president [[Barack Obama]]. During the very tight and closely-watched 2015 elections, the [[Obama Administration]] attempted to influence the election—in order to elect a leftist government in the nation and defeat Netanyahu—by financing a liberal Israeli political organization.<ref>Klein, Aaron (July 13, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/07/13/israeli-lawmakers-fume-obama-administration-intervention-defeat-netanyahu/ Israeli Lawmakers Fume Over Obama Administration ‘Intervention’ to Defeat Netanyahu]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Netanyahu decisively won the election, despite opposition from left-wing world leaders.<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-claims-victory-as-vote-count-shows-likud-further-ahead/ Netanyahu scores crushing victory in Israeli elections]. ''The Times of Israel''. March 18, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref>

Netanyahu has had very poor relations with the leftist U.S. president [[Barack Obama]]. During the very tight and closely-watched 2015 elections, the [[Obama Administration]] attempted to influence the election—in order to elect a leftist government in the nation and defeat Netanyahu—by financing a liberal Israeli political organization.<ref>Klein, Aaron (July 13, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/07/13/israeli-lawmakers-fume-obama-administration-intervention-defeat-netanyahu/ Israeli Lawmakers Fume Over Obama Administration ‘Intervention’ to Defeat Netanyahu]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Netanyahu decisively won the election, despite opposition from left-wing world leaders.<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-claims-victory-as-vote-count-shows-likud-further-ahead/ Netanyahu scores crushing victory in Israeli elections]. ''The Times of Israel''. March 18, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref>

On December 23, 2016, Obama broke over 35 years of American policy by abstaining from a UN vote and allowing a blatantly anti-Israel resolution to pass, showing his true stance concerning Israel.<ref>[https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-fears-obama-will-strike/ Israel fears Obama will strike again]. ''World Israel News''. December 26, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref><ref>Berkowitz, Adam Eliyahu (December 26, 2016). [https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/80855/fed-up-with-obamas-trickery-netanyahu-takes-drastic-actions/#VbVlRMtkx4zLRc3f.97 Fed Up With United States Trickery, Netanyahu Takes Drastic Actions]. ''Breaking Israel News''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref>

On December 23, 2016, Obama broke over 35 years of American policy by abstaining from a UN vote and allowing a blatantly anti-Israel resolution to pass, showing his true stance concerning Israel.<ref>[https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-fears-obama-will-strike/ Israel fears Obama will strike again]. ''World Israel News''. December 26, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref><ref>Berkowitz, Adam Eliyahu (December 26, 2016). [https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/80855/fed-up-with-obamas-trickery-netanyahu-takes-drastic-actions/#VbVlRMtkx4zLRc3f.97 Fed Up With United States Trickery, Netanyahu Takes Drastic Actions]. ''Breaking Israel News''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref>

On December 28, 2016, just a few weeks before the [[Trump Administration]] was to take office and a few days after the leftist Obama Administration allowed an anti-[[Israel]] resolution to pass the [[United Nations|UN]] and break decades of policy, Kerry gave a major 72-minute<ref>Hanchett, Ian (December 28, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/nbcs-neely-kerry-speech-firing-a-flare-across-israel-he-wanted-to-give-it-for-some-time-but-wh-blocked-it/ NBC’s Neely: Kerry Speech ‘Firing a Flare’ ‘Across Israel’ He Wanted To Give It ‘For Some Time’ But WH Blocked It]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> speech viciously attacking Israel and paying worthless lip-service to American "support" for the nation.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 28, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/12/28/kerry-on-israel-peace-un-resolution/ Kerry Attacks Israeli Government, Defends UN Resolution]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded harshly but appropriately to the Administration's blatant betrayal.<ref>Key, Pam (December 28, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/netanyahu-i-must-express-my-deep-disappointment-with-john-kerry-israelis-do-not-need-to-be-lectured/ Netanyahu: ‘I Must Express My Deep Disappointment’ With Kerry — ‘Israelis Do Not Need To Be Lectured’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref>

On December 28, 2016, just a few weeks before the [[Trump Administration]] was to take office and a few days after the leftist Obama Administration allowed an anti-[[Israel]] resolution to pass the [[United Nations|UN]] and break decades of policy, Kerry gave a major 72-minute<ref>Hanchett, Ian (December 28, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/nbcs-neely-kerry-speech-firing-a-flare-across-israel-he-wanted-to-give-it-for-some-time-but-wh-blocked-it/ NBC’s Neely: Kerry Speech ‘Firing a Flare’ ‘Across Israel’ He Wanted To Give It ‘For Some Time’ But WH Blocked It]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> speech viciously attacking Israel and paying worthless lip-service to American "support" for the nation.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 28, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/12/28/kerry-on-israel-peace-un-resolution/ Kerry Attacks Israeli Government, Defends UN Resolution]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded harshly but appropriately to the Administration's blatant betrayal.<ref>Key, Pam (December 28, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/netanyahu-i-must-express-my-deep-disappointment-with-john-kerry-israelis-do-not-need-to-be-lectured/ Netanyahu: ‘I Must Express My Deep Disappointment’ With Kerry — ‘Israelis Do Not Need To Be Lectured’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref>

In response to the anti-Israel UN vote, Israel cut $6 million in its annual dues to the leftist organization on January 6, 2017.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/01/06/israel-halts-6-million-to-un-to-protest-un-settlements-vote.html Israel halts $6 million to UN to protest UN settlements vote]. ''Fox News'' (from the Associated Press). January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.</ref>

In response to the anti-Israel UN vote, Israel cut $6 million in its annual dues to the leftist organization on January 6, 2017.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/01/06/israel-halts-6-million-to-un-to-protest-un-settlements-vote.html Israel halts $6 million to UN to protest UN settlements vote]. ''Fox News'' (from the Associated Press). January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.</ref>

Despite the Obama Administration's actions, the U.S. House passed a motion on January 5, 2017 condemning Obama's allowing of the UN resolution.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/05/house-overwhelmingly-votes-to-condemn-un-resolution-on-israel-settlements.html House overwhelmingly votes to condemn UN resolution on Israel settlements]. ''Fox News''. January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Cortellessa, Eric (January 6, 2017). [http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-passes-repudiation-of-un-security-council-resolution-on-israel/ US House passes motion repudiating UN resolution on Israel]. ''The Times of Israel''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref> Additionally, Republican President-elect [[Donald Trump]] voiced strong support for Israel during this time.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 23, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/23/trump-hints-defunding-un-anti-israel-vote/ Trump on UN Anti-Israel Vote: ‘Things Will Be Different After Jan. 20’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Swoyer, Alex (December 29, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/29/trump-im-very-very-strong-on-israel/ Trump: ‘I’m Very, Very Strong on Israel’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref>

Despite the Obama Administration's actions, the U.S. House passed a motion on January 5, 2017 condemning Obama's allowing of the UN resolution.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/05/house-overwhelmingly-votes-to-condemn-un-resolution-on-israel-settlements.html House overwhelmingly votes to condemn UN resolution on Israel settlements]. ''Fox News''. January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Cortellessa, Eric (January 6, 2017). [https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-passes-repudiation-of-un-security-council-resolution-on-israel/ US House passes motion repudiating UN resolution on Israel]. ''The Times of Israel''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref> Additionally, Republican President-elect [[Donald Trump]] voiced strong support for Israel during this time.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 23, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/23/trump-hints-defunding-un-anti-israel-vote/ Trump on UN Anti-Israel Vote: ‘Things Will Be Different After Jan. 20’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Swoyer, Alex (December 29, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/29/trump-im-very-very-strong-on-israel/ Trump: ‘I’m Very, Very Strong on Israel’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref>

===Relations with the Trump Administration===

===Relations with the Trump Administration===

Netanyahu, who himself built a very successful wall along Israel's southern border with [[Egypt]] in 2013, endorsed U.S. President [[Donald Trump]]'s plan to build a wall along the U.S. border with [[Mexico]].<ref>Weber, Joseph (January 28, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/28/netanyahu-backs-trumps-mexico-wall-touts-similar-one-on-egypt-border-as-great-idea.html Netanyahu backs Trump's Mexico wall, touts similar one on Egypt border as 'great idea']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 30, 2017.</ref> Netanyahu thought highly of President Trump's foreign policy, as seen in statements he made that he thought were private but were being transmitted to reporters.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/07/19/listen-netanyahu-caught-hot-mic-blasting-europes-crazy-policies-israel/ LISTEN: Netanyahu Caught on Hot Mic Blasting Europe’s ‘Crazy’ Policies on Israel]. ''Breitbart News''. July 19, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2017.</ref>

Netanyahu, who himself built a very successful wall along Israel's southern border with [[Egypt]] in 2013, endorsed U.S. President [[Donald Trump]]'s plan to build a wall along the U.S. border with [[Mexico]].<ref>Weber, Joseph (January 28, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/28/netanyahu-backs-trumps-mexico-wall-touts-similar-one-on-egypt-border-as-great-idea.html Netanyahu backs Trump's Mexico wall, touts similar one on Egypt border as 'great idea']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 30, 2017.</ref> Netanyahu thought highly of President Trump's foreign policy, as seen in statements he made that he thought were private but were being transmitted to reporters.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/07/19/listen-netanyahu-caught-hot-mic-blasting-europes-crazy-policies-israel/ LISTEN: Netanyahu Caught on Hot Mic Blasting Europe’s ‘Crazy’ Policies on Israel]. ''Breitbart News''. July 19, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2017.</ref>

On December 6, 2017, President Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and ordered the U.S. State Department to begin the process of moving the U.S. Embassy from [[Tel Aviv]] to Jerusalem.<ref>Multiple references:

On December 6, 2017, President Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and ordered the U.S. State Department to begin the process of moving the U.S. Embassy from [[Tel Aviv]] to Jerusalem.<ref>Multiple references:

*Boyer, Dave (December 6, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/6/trump-recognizes-jerusalem-israeli-capital/ Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital fulfills campaign promise broken by predecessors]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved December 6, 2017.

*Boyer, Dave (December 6, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/6/trump-recognizes-jerusalem-israeli-capital/ Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital fulfills campaign promise broken by predecessors]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved December 6, 2017.

*Holland, Steve; Lubell, Maayan (December 6, 2017). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-israel/trump-recognizes-jerusalem-as-israels-capital-reversing-longtime-u-s-policy-idUSKBN1E01PS Trump recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, reversing longtime U.S. policy]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved December 6, 2017.

*Holland, Steve; Lubell, Maayan (December 6, 2017). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-israel/trump-recognizes-jerusalem-as-israels-capital-reversing-longtime-u-s-policy-idUSKBN1E01PS Trump recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, reversing longtime U.S. policy]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved December 6, 2017.

*Pappas, Alex (December 6, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/06/trump-officially-recognizes-jerusalem-as-israels-capital-orders-us-embassy-move.html Trump officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, orders embassy move for US]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved December 6, 2017.

*Pappas, Alex (December 6, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/06/trump-officially-recognizes-jerusalem-as-israels-capital-orders-us-embassy-move.html Trump officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, orders embassy move for US]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved December 6, 2017.

*Pollak, Joel B. (December 6, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/12/06/jerusalem-israel-capital-embassy-trump-white-house/ Trump: ‘I Have Determined That It Is Time to Officially Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 6, 2017.

*Pollak, Joel B. (December 6, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/12/06/jerusalem-israel-capital-embassy-trump-white-house/ Trump: ‘I Have Determined That It Is Time to Officially Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 6, 2017.

*Byas, Steve (December 6, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/foreign-policy/item/27533-trump-respects-israel-s-sovereignty-in-embassy-move-to-jerusalem Trump Respects Israel’s Sovereignty in Embassy Move to Jerusalem]. ''The New American''. Retrieved December 16, 2017.</ref> On May 14, 2018, the U.S. officially moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.<ref>Multiple references:

*Byas, Steve (December 6, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/foreign-policy/item/27533-trump-respects-israel-s-sovereignty-in-embassy-move-to-jerusalem Trump Respects Israel’s Sovereignty in Embassy Move to Jerusalem]. ''The New American''. Retrieved December 16, 2017.</ref> On May 14, 2018, the U.S. officially moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.<ref>Multiple references:

*Singman, Brooke; Berger, Judson (May 14, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/14/us-opens-embassy-in-jerusalem-recognizing-city-as-true-capital-israel.html US opens embassy in Jerusalem, recognizing city as ‘true capital’ of Israel]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 14, 2018.

*Singman, Brooke; Berger, Judson (May 14, 2018). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/14/us-opens-embassy-in-jerusalem-recognizing-city-as-true-capital-israel.html US opens embassy in Jerusalem, recognizing city as ‘true capital’ of Israel]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 14, 2018.

*Spiering, Charlie (May 14, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/05/14/donald-trump-officially-opens-us-embassy-historic-sacred-land-jerusalem/ Donald Trump Officially Opens U.S. Embassy in ‘Historic and Sacred Land of Jerusalem’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 14, 2018.

*Spiering, Charlie (May 14, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/05/14/donald-trump-officially-opens-us-embassy-historic-sacred-land-jerusalem/ Donald Trump Officially Opens U.S. Embassy in ‘Historic and Sacred Land of Jerusalem’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 14, 2018.

*Pollak, Joel B. (May 15, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2018/05/15/jerusalem-embassy-opening-a-ray-of-light/ Jerusalem Embassy Opening: A Ray of Light]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 15, 2018.</ref> Netanyahu praised President Trump for this decision and even compared him to Emperor [[Cyrus]].<ref>Silow-Carroll, Andrew (March 8, 2018). [https://www.timesofisrael.com/who-is-king-cyrus-and-why-is-netanyahu-comparing-him-to-trump/ Who is King Cyrus, and why did Netanyahu compare him to Trump?]. ''Times of Israel''. Retrieved August 30, 2018.</ref> In May 2018 Netanyahu thanked President Trump for his withdrawal from the [[Iran nuclear deal]].<ref>(Keinon, Herb). [https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-News/Netanyahu-applauds-Trumps-brave-decision-to-pull-out-of-Iran-deal-554843 NETANYAHU APPLAUDS TRUMP’S ‘BRAVE DECISION’ TO PULL OUT OF IRAN DEAL]. ''[[Jerusalem Post]]''. Retrieved September 2, 2018.</ref>

*Pollak, Joel B. (May 15, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2018/05/15/jerusalem-embassy-opening-a-ray-of-light/ Jerusalem Embassy Opening: A Ray of Light]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 15, 2018.</ref> Netanyahu praised President Trump for this decision and even compared him to Emperor [[Cyrus]].<ref>Silow-Carroll, Andrew (March 8, 2018). [https://www.timesofisrael.com/who-is-king-cyrus-and-why-is-netanyahu-comparing-him-to-trump/ Who is King Cyrus, and why did Netanyahu compare him to Trump?]. ''Times of Israel''. Retrieved August 30, 2018.</ref> In May 2018 Netanyahu thanked President Trump for his withdrawal from the [[Iran nuclear deal]].<ref>(Keinon, Herb). [https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-News/Netanyahu-applauds-Trumps-brave-decision-to-pull-out-of-Iran-deal-554843 NETANYAHU APPLAUDS TRUMP’S ‘BRAVE DECISION’ TO PULL OUT OF IRAN DEAL]. ''[[Jerusalem Post]]''. Retrieved September 2, 2018.</ref>