Shabbat Shalom
Trump and Netanyahu Have Cosy Shabbat Dinner with Leo Terrell
Trump, Netanyahu, and Leo Terrell Break Bread at Private NYC Shabbat Dinner Amid UN Tensions: The intimate meal unfolded just hours after Netanyahu's fiery UN address defending Israel's Gaza operations, which drew sharp rebukes, delegate walkouts, and street protests across Manhattan.
In a low-key gathering away from the glare of the United Nations spotlight, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and conservative commentator Leo Terrell for a private Shabbat dinner in New York City on Friday night.
The dinner, held during the bustling UN General Assembly week, served as a forum for the trio to reinforce longstanding ties. Conversations reportedly centered on bolstering the U.S.-Israel alliance, intensifying efforts to combat rising antisemitism, prioritizing the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, and crafting joint strategies to counter Iran's regional ambitions. Terrell, a vocal civil rights attorney and Trump ally known for his outspoken defense of conservative causes, added a domestic political layer to the discussions, bridging U.S. internal debates on foreign policy with Israel's security priorities.
Netanyahu's earlier UN speech had set a combative tone, touting Israeli military gains against Hamas and Hezbollah while lashing out at Western nations for recognizing Palestinian statehood. The address prompted dozens of delegates, including from European and Arab countries, to exit the hall in protest, while thousands rallied in Times Square and near UN headquarters, decrying the Gaza war's toll. Broadcast via loudspeakers along the Gaza border on Netanyahu's orders, the speech aimed to reach both world leaders and Palestinian civilians directly.
The Shabbat dinner underscored the personal rapport between Trump and Netanyahu, harking back to their close collaboration during Trump's first term, including the Abraham Accords.
Social media erupted with polarized takes. Supporters hailed the meeting as a "powerhouse trio" committed to "real security" and hostage advocacy, with posts circulating images of past Trump-Netanyahu events. Critics, however, zeroed in on Gaza's humanitarian plight, where aid blockades and airstrikes have exacerbated famine risks, labeling the dinner a tone-deaf display amid global outcry. One viral thread read: "Shabbat peace for some, endless war for others?"
As Trump eyes potential expansions of the Abraham Accords and Netanyahu navigates ceasefire talks, this quiet dinner signals no letup in their aligned vision for the Middle East, even as protests echo through New York streets.