Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky

By Aiden Pink April 10, 2019

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s election night party in Tel Aviv featured a jubilant crowd celebrating his likely reelection – including one person waving a “Make America Great Again” flag.

Netanyahu frequently used his friendship with President Trump in his election ads. Shortly before Tuesday’s election, Trump recognized Israeli sovereignty in the Golan Heights, which was seen by some as a political victory for Netanyahu (though the prime minister’s opponents also supported the measure).

Netanyahu has frequently praised Trump’s Israel-related policy moves, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving the American embassy there. He also has praised Trump’s immigration enforcement policies – shortly after Trump’s inauguration in January 2017, Netanyahu tweeted: “President Trump is right. I built a wall along Israel’s southern border. It stopped all illegal immigration. Great success. Great idea.” The tweet caused a diplomatic incident with the Mexican government.

Netanyahu’s Likud party increased its seats in the 120-member Knesset from 30 to 35, and the conservative leader is widely expected to be able to form a governing coalition for his fifth term as Israel’s head of government.

The flag was spotted by Neri Zilber of Kafe Knesset.

Aiden Pink is the deputy news editor for the Forward. You can reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter, @aidenpink

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT