Netanyahu and Trump: Allies in Dismantling Oversight

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump are facing resistance from their respective judicial systems as they attempt to consolidate power and discredit national security professionals. This parallel approach highlights a trend among right-wing leaders who cast adversaries in the justice system as part of a "Deep State" threat.

In a bold statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has solidified the perception of Donald Trump as an ally in his ongoing battle against judicial scrutiny and oversight. Speaking on social media, Netanyahu claimed that both leaders face a common adversary: the "leftist Deep State" that uses the justice system to undermine the will of the people following a right-wing electoral win. This reflection not only underscores their personal camaraderie, but also signals a shared strategy aimed at diminishing judicial authority and discrediting national security officials deemed antagonistic.

Amid growing tensions in Washington, Trump has intensified attacks on judicial figures, calling for the impeachment of a federal judge who requested transparency regarding mass deportation efforts, dismissing two Democratic officials from an independent trade commission, and facing judiciary backlash for administrative actions perceived as unconstitutional. Concurrently, in Jerusalem, Netanyahu's administration took drastic steps by ousting Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet, after his organization initiated probes into the prime minister's aides over allegations of mishandling classified information. These developments reflect a concerted move by both leaders to circumvent institutional checks, exert control over their governments, and rally support among their base by framing these actions as fights against entrenched, ineffective bureaucracies.