David Ignatius Says Benjamin Netanyahu Selling Himself with Trump-Like Message ‘Make Israel Great Again’

Washington Post columnist David Ignatius raised alarms on Monday about Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu having a similar appeal to Donald Trump.

Ignatius joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe and in a discussion on the Israel-Hamas war, the columnist and novelist argued Netanyahu is only getting more popular as the war rages on, citing a recent dinner with friends from Israel who used a pro-Netanyahu slogan that was a slight reboot of Trump’s famous catchphrase since entering politics.

“Netanyahu with the average Israeli who feels traumatized by what happened on Oct. 7 is becoming more popular, not less. This person said to me, ‘make Israel great again.’ That’s Bibi’s line. Bring back our sense of strength. Sound familiar? Of course it does,” Ignatius said.

Ignatius argued, however, that Netanyahu remains unpopular in Israel amidst his legal woes. He did call the Israel prime minister the “ultimate survivor” though and argued that’s why he won’t back President Joe Biden’s recently-announced three phase plan to end Israel’s war.

Biden’s plan would lead to a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages still held by Hamas since their attack on Israel on Oct. 7. The terms of the deal have been relayed to Hamas.

“I’ve urged the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, regardless of whatever [political] pressure comes,” the president said.

Biden described the deal as Israel’s proposal. An Israel official told NBC News on Monday that the president had misrepresented the proposal.

“Israel has not changed its conditions to reach a permanent cease-fire. That will only happen after our objectives are met including destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities,” the official told the outlet.

Watch above via MSNBC.