Israeli lawmaker Hanoch Milwidsky, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, sparked fresh speculation about deteriorating ties between Donald Trump and Netanyahu after posting a viral video in which he discards a red MAGA hat and replaces it with a blue cap reading “Total Victory” in Hebrew. The video, widely circulated on social media, comes at a sensitive moment as questions mount over the future of U.S.-Israel relations and the direction of regional diplomacy.
Symbolic Gesture Amid Diplomatic Uncertainty
In the clip, Milwidsky removes the Make America Great Again hat associated with former President Trump and swaps it for a cap bearing Netanyahu's war slogan. The gesture is widely interpreted as a rebuke of Trump's policies, particularly regarding Iran and Lebanon. According to Israeli political analysts, the move reflects growing frustration within Netanyahu's inner circle over Trump's recent diplomatic overtures toward Iran and his administration's push for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
The development coincides with continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. On June 20, Israeli airstrikes in the Nabatiyeh region reportedly killed at least seven people, according to Lebanese security sources. Lebanon has been seeking a ceasefire through U.S.-mediated talks, while the broader U.S.-Iran ceasefire framework is also expected to reduce hostilities involving Lebanon. The U.S. has urged restraint, but Israel has pressed on with operations, citing Hezbollah threats.
Trump-Netanyahu Alliance Under Strain
The viral video adds to a series of incidents signaling a rift between the two leaders. Trump, who has long touted his close relationship with Netanyahu, recently criticized Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, calling it “too aggressive.” In a statement last week, Trump said, “Israel needs to listen to its friends. You can't just keep bombing without a plan.” Netanyahu's office responded by reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense, stating that “total victory” remains the objective.
According to a report by the Israeli news outlet Ynet, U.S. intelligence has flagged potential sabotage by Netanyahu's government of Trump's Iran deal framework. The report, citing unnamed U.S. officials, claims that Israeli operatives have been sharing intelligence with hardliners in Washington to undermine negotiations. Trump has denied the allegations but acknowledged “differences” with Netanyahu.
Regional Implications and Domestic Reactions
The symbolic hat swap has sparked debate in Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it “a childish stunt that harms Israel's most important alliance.” Meanwhile, far-right coalition partners praised Milwidsky for “standing up to American pressure.” The video has also drawn international attention, with some commentators describing it as a sign that Netanyahu is preparing for a post-Trump era.
Military operations in Lebanon continue to escalate. The Nabatiyeh airstrikes targeted what the Israel Defense Forces described as Hezbollah weapons storage sites. Local hospitals reported seven dead and 15 wounded, including civilians. The Lebanese government condemned the strikes and called for an emergency UN Security Council session. The U.S. State Department urged de-escalation but stopped short of condemning Israel.
Conclusion
The Milwidsky video underscores the fragility of the Trump-Netanyahu relationship at a time of high regional tension. With U.S.-Iran talks progressing and Lebanon seeking a ceasefire, the coming weeks will test whether the alliance can withstand these pressures. As one Israeli diplomat put it, “The MAGA hat is off, but the question is what comes next.”
