What is certain is that Bibi has Donald Trump's backing, and will use that as his biggest political card.

As Trump told him yday: "You’re a very popular man. You know why? Because you know how to win."

My analysis @financialtimes.com www.ft.com/content/22c8...

6/ So Netanyahu put in jeopardy his most important political & diplomatic asset (Trump) by not even informing him ahead of time about striking in Qatar & at least getting a ‘yellow light’ from the US for the unprecedented move?

Extremely unlikely. To say the least. FIN.

5/ Politics + Diplomacy:

Current moment for Bibi precarious, no matter public/hardline posture. Majority of his public oppose the govt & continuing Gaza war. Entire world – incl close allies – increasingly fed up w Israel

Bibi had/has 1 major thing going for him: Donald J Trump

4/ Operationally, ctd:

More: We’re meant to believe US military informed White Housw, and White House – instead of calling Israel to halt attack – called Qatar instead (maybe right before, maybe right after)?

3/ Operationally:
WH line is they were notified by US military of Israel attack (not by Israel ahead of time)

We’re meant to believe US military based in Qatar saw attack & made no moves to intercept incoming missiles? CENTCOM covers all of Mideast. Israel deconflicts with it on long-range missions

2/ Individuals ctd, Trump:

POTUS initially responded with mixed messages, but so far no real major dressing down of Bibi publicly

In past: Zelensky berated for not wearing suit. Modi & India on the outs. Trump himself slammed Bibi on last day of Iran war. Is he actually angry?

1/ Let’s start w individuals:

- New CENTCOM chief Adm. Cooper made *his first visit* to Israel this past wknd
- Ron Dermer was literally in DC on Tue, day of attack (and in US for days prior)
- Bibi made 2 public appearances w/ Mike Huckabee immediately after attack, all smiles