White House report card: Poll shows that half of Americans now see Israel as a strategic liability

The White House is facing a formidable diplomatic challenge, needing former President Donald Trump unlikely endorsement to secure a critical 60-day ceasefire agreement with Iran. This comes as a new poll reveals a striking shift in American public opinion, with half of respondents now viewing Israel as a strategic liability rather than an asset, signaling a profound recalibration of US foreign policy priorities. The demand for Trump's backing underscores the deep political divisions paralyzing US engagement in the Middle East, particularly amidst escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear program and its regional proxies. This unprecedented requirement for bipartisan consensus is driven by fears that any deal, however temporary, could be unilaterally dismantled by a future administration, a concern exacerbated by Trump's past actions regarding the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the subsequent imposition of a "maximum pressure" sanctions regime. The shift in US public sentiment towards Israel, after decades of robust support, further complicates the administration's strategic calculus, pressuring officials to re-evaluate the long-term costs and benefits of the alliance. Analysts suggest the White House is keen to lock in a temporary halt to hostilities before the summer, potentially clearing diplomatic space for broader negotiations or de-escalation initiatives. The success of this ceasefire hinges on Trump's willingness to grant his political capital, a move that could either demonstrate rare unity on a contentious foreign policy issue or be leveraged for significant concessions. Observers will be watching for any signals from Mar-a-Lago regarding the terms that might sway the former President, knowing the implications extend far beyond this immediate deal, reshaping future US engagements across the volatile region.