Ettinger to Arutz Sheva: Strong, Independent Israel Is Vital to U.S. Interests Ahead of Netanyahu-Trump Meeting
Former Ambassador Ettinger: Netanyahu Must Urge Trump to Reject Talks with “Epicenter of Terror” in Tehran
In an interview with Arutz Sheva – Israel National News, former Israeli ambassador Yoram Ettinger offered a stark warning ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Ettinger urged Netanyahu to deliver a clear and unambiguous message: Diplomatic engagement with Iran is a dangerous illusion.
“I have no doubt the prime minister is heading into a highly coordinated session with the American president,” Ettinger noted, emphasizing that much of the strategic alignment between the two leaders happens behind closed doors. However, he stressed that Netanyahu must speak plainly about the ideological nature of Iran’s regime and its implacable hostility toward the West.
“Trump wants to be seen as a peacemaker,” Ettinger said. “But there can be no peace with the epicenter of global terrorism in Tehran.”
He warned that Western-style diplomacy misunderstands Iran’s intentions. “For the Ayatollah regime, negotiations are not a path to reconciliation—they’re a tactical smokescreen. The goal is to buy time to rebuild and advance their ballistic, conventional, and nuclear arsenal.”
According to Ettinger, renewed talks would only serve to embolden Tehran, allowing it to regroup for future aggression—particularly against its two primary targets: Israel and the ‘Great American Satan.’
Ettinger’s comments come as regional tensions remain high and debate continues over how to curb Iranian influence in the wake of the 12 Days War and renewed global scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Ettinger: Netanyahu Must Warn Trump on Iran, Assert Israeli Sovereignty, and Reject the “Palestinian State Trap”
In a forceful interview with Arutz Sheva – Israel National News, former Israeli ambassador Yoram Ettinger laid out a clear roadmap for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit with U.S. President Donald Trump—emphasizing deterrence over diplomacy, strategic sovereignty, and unwavering independence.
On Iran: No Room for Illusions
Ettinger urged Netanyahu to caution Trump against reviving negotiations with Tehran, calling the Iranian regime the “epicenter of global terrorism.” He warned that unlike Western expectations, the Ayatollahs treat diplomacy not as reconciliation but as a tool to stall, rebuild, and regroup militarily—ballistic, conventional, and nuclear.
“Trump wants to be seen as a peacemaker, but there can be no peace with Tehran,” he said. “Only preparation for future aggression.”
On Gaza: Arab States Quietly Back Israel
Ettinger expressed confidence that Trump is unlikely to pressure Israel to halt its operations in Gaza, due to growing Arab concern over Hamas.
“Trump has been made aware by the Saudis, Egyptians, Jordanians, and Gulf states that Hamas is part of the Muslim Brotherhood— a direct threat to every pro-American Arab regime.”
On U.S. Policy: Fight Terror There or at Home
He criticized isolationist voices within Trump’s camp, warning that the U.S. cannot afford to retreat from the Middle East. “The choice is simple—either fight Islamic terror in the Middle East trenches or face it on U.S. soil.” He warned that Iran’s reach is expanding—with proxies now present in Latin America and even within the U.S.
On Judea and Samaria: A Strategic Asset, Not a Bargaining Chip
Ettinger strongly urged Netanyahu to assert Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, rejecting any revival of Trump’s “Deal of the Century”, which he said dangerously implies support for a Palestinian state.
“Israel’s control of Judea and Samaria post-1967 is not a burden—it’s a strategic asset for the U.S., a bulwark against Iran and radical Islam that protects America and its Arab allies alike.”
He warned that a Palestinian state would destabilize Jordan, threaten Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and serve as a springboard for terrorism.
On Arab Hypocrisy: All Talk, No Support
Ettinger dismissed Arab support for a Palestinian state as empty rhetoric.
“Since 1949, no Arab country has done anything tangible to establish a Palestinian state. In fact, Palestinian factions have repeatedly betrayed their Arab hosts—from Egypt to Syria to Jordan and Kuwait.” A future Palestinian state, he warned, would likely continue this pattern.
On U.S.-Israel Relations: Partnership, Not Dependency
Finally, Ettinger called for a confident Israeli posture—appreciative of U.S. support, but not beholden to it.
“The U.S. is our greatest ally, grounded in shared biblical and historical values. But Israel must act in its own interest—like Ben-Gurion, Golda, Begin, and Shamir did. Defiance may bring friction in the short term, but it commands respect in the long run.”
