Iran Threatens Strike on Israel as US Talks Hang in Balance
NewsweekMAY 18
Noem Visits Israel, Holds 'Candid' Talks with Netanyahu
Above: Kristi Noem (C) and Janet Huckabee (R) visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem on May 25, 2025. Image copyright: Menahem Kahana/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Noem's visit goes to show Trump's unwavering support for Israel. It is a demonstration of his prowess in the Middle East, as the region inches closer to peace thanks to Trump's skillful negotiating. The war in Gaza and tensions with Iran are on the cusp of being greatly defused, all while ensuring that Israel's security interests remain secure.
Democratic narrative
This highlights the sham that has become U.S. diplomacy under Trump. Noem did little more than play dress-up and participate in photo ops, all while the U.S. lost credibility on the world stage due to Trump's capricious and scattershot foreign policy. Style over substance is the takeaway from Noem's visit.
Pro-Palestine narrative
In the middle of the ongoing slaughter in Gaza, Trump and his officials have shown how little they care for the plight of the Palestinians or the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. By meeting with extremist government officials and taking part in Israel's expansionist Jerusalem Day commemorations, the Trump administration turns its back on Gaza.
Pro-Israel narrative
Trump has circumvented Israel and is trying to strike a deal with a country hellbent on the destruction of Israel. This trip means little if the U.S. is going to strike a deal with Iran that could leave them with nuclear weapons, an outcome that represents the destruction of the Jewish homeland. Trump must recognize how much Israel has to lose from a nuclear Iran.