The Trump Show Is the Most Riveting Spectacle in the World
Maariv, Israel, February 7
There is no doubt that Donald Trump’s press conference this week was a singular, extraordinary spectacle, even by his own standards. It left many jaws dropped across the nation and the globe.
With just a flick of his tongue, Trump, in mere minutes, managed to dismantle the ticking Gaza bomb into pieces. And poof, the clouds of smoke dispersed worldwide.
By thinking outside the box with a dash of “common sense,” Trump has inflamed the longstanding abscess that has been around our necks since Hamas rose to power in 2006.
This abscess, which grew and took root while we remained oblivious to its depth and severity, finally exploded in our faces on October 7 and has since offered no respite.
In Trumpland, however, Gaza is simply a piece of prime real estate with a negative return for its owners and neighbors. All it requires is an evacuation-construction project to improve the property and prove beneficial for all stakeholders—a win-win situation.
As a central argument in support of his grandiose plan, Trump positioned himself high in the branches of logic. Throughout his speech, he echoed in various phrases the immortal words of Albert Einstein:
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Indeed, Trump’s solution appears so logical in its simplicity that it skirts the edge of genius, as Einstein would put it.
This ultimate fantasy comes from a nation that has experienced its greatest trauma since its inception. Yet, the main issue with Trump’s plan is the complexity of real-life problems. Reality is not black and white; it does not simply resolve with a bang.
Simultaneously and importantly, history is replete with leaders who managed to alter its course—figures like Churchill, Stalin, and, tragically, Hitler.
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Unforeseen changes in reality have occurred throughout human history through the willpower and execution capacities of a select few leaders with narcissism and megalomania.
It is not implausible that Trump could belong to this class of leaders. His self-admiration is conspicuous.
Therefore, even those who hastily applaud Trump’s plan should exercise a degree of modesty and decorum.
The lingering enigma is this: to what extent is Trump truly committed to his ambitious plan?
How much effort will he invest, and to what lengths will he go to implement his vision of the “French Riviera of the Middle East”?
This question assumes, not unreasonably, that the Arab world will oppose and resist, forming a metaphorical wall.
Is this a moment of capricious trolling, or an earnest, resolute commitment to which he is dedicating his heart?
Trump began his current term with considerable success, achieving tangible results—he promised to recover the hostages, and we have seen this promise fulfilled.
He vowed to deport immigrants back to their homelands, and this too is unfolding against our eyes.
However, all this transpired without him having to act beyond issuing threats.
Known for his confident, assertive rhetoric, will Trump’s bold words materialize into action if necessary—can he truly “walk the talk”?
Examining Trump’s previous term reveals no straightforward answer to this query.
He attempted to fulfill his campaign promises, succeeding in some areas (tax cuts, judicial reforms) and faltering in others (healthcare reform).
Distinct from the previous term, where even Trump seemed caught off guard by his victory, he enters his current term in a state of greater preparedness.
He is more mature, confident, experienced, and hungrier.
He craves recognition, admiration, and especially the Nobel Peace Prize, which he believes was wrongfully denied to him before.
Will Trump succeed in realizing his dream plan?
Only time will tell.
What is certain, however, is that “the Trump show” is now the most riveting spectacle on the global stage, and should it succeed, we may all join in singing “Hallelujah Trump!”
Dana Raviv (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
