By Shahar Masori
SAN DIEGO — Picture an American election set against the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean. It might seem out of place, yet for Israelis, the U.S. presidential election isn’t just a distant spectacle – it’s a contest with stakes that feel close to home. This year, Israelis and Americans are both watching the election with equal intensity but different perspectives on the two major candidates: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
For Israelis, Donald Trump is far more than just a former U.S. president; he’s a figure whose audacity and directness resonate with many in Israel’s more conservative circles. Trump’s style often borders on autocratic, and his most passionate followers seem to admire him almost as a cult leader. The Trump “phenomenon” doesn’t just evoke policy – it evokes loyalty, a “with him or against him” mentality that Israelis recognize from their own political landscape.
Some Israeli conservatives feel that Trump’s boldness – his disregard for political correctness, his unfiltered language – is exactly what’s needed in a Middle Eastern leader. For them, he’s seen as a man who does what he says, who isn’t afraid to upend traditions to secure what he believes in, even if that sometimes borders on autocracy. However, liberal Israelis worry that this autocratic flavor in Trump’s leadership could fuel instability, pulling the U.S. farther from its democratic ideals and setting a dangerous precedent for countries, including Israel.
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, brings a distinctly different demeanor. She represents a lighter touch, aiming for diplomacy and coalition-building. Yet, some Israelis see her as cautious to the point of insecurity, more in line with the mainstream Democratic policies established under Biden. Her rhetoric echoes a commitment to democracy, but it’s seen as less decisive – perhaps more deliberative, and certainly less polarizing. American liberals are drawn to this careful balance, her attempt to move the nation forward without breaking it apart. In Israel, however, some feel that Harris’s approach might signal a less robust stance on Middle Eastern issues. Her supporters in Israel see her diplomacy as refreshing, but others worry it might mean compromise on key issues. As one Israeli commentator might put it, “In a region where hesitation can mean weakness, can we count on her?”
The democratic-versus-autocratic tug-of-war between Trump and Harris reflects a deeper ideological clash felt on both sides of the Atlantic. In Israel, where political debate is fierce and divisive, some find the idea of a strongman appealing, especially in a turbulent region. They argue that Trump’s leadership style aligns with their vision of decisiveness in uncertain times. Yet, others are wary of how this style threatens the values of democracy – values Israelis see themselves as upholding in a neighborhood of autocracies. The current political landscape in Israel is already flirting with populism and nationalism, and many Israelis are aware that following Trump’s autocratic lean could threaten their own democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, Americans are caught in a similarly charged debate. Trump’s base reveres him with near-fanatical loyalty, seeing him as a leader who will protect their version of “freedom” at any cost. His critics, however, fear that this unyielding approach erodes democratic values, creating a political environment where disagreement is silenced and loyalty is demanded. Harris, meanwhile, symbolizes a different path – a quieter, more cautious one that aims to preserve and restore democratic norms. Her demeanor suggests a commitment to coalition and compromise, which appeals to Americans wary of authoritarianism creeping into their own government. Yet, her opponents argue that this style feels weak in the face of a global rise in strongman leaders, asking if she has the strength to stand firm against growing autocratic forces both domestically and abroad.
And Israelis? They watch the U.S. debates and campaign rallies with both puzzlement and fascination. Some laugh at the melodrama, while others are worried by what is at stake. Israelis are passionate, pragmatic, and used to the “anything goes” culture of their own political scene, but they view American politics with a certain disbelief. Watching the U.S. flirt with authoritarianism strikes some Israelis as both familiar and troubling, knowing that their country also wrestles with the delicate balance between strong leadership and democracy.
As the U.S. election looms, both Israelis and Americans wait with anticipation, each community keenly aware that the outcome has repercussions beyond its borders. Israelis understand that whatever direction the U.S. takes, they will feel the ripple effects. And yet, in typical Israeli fashion, there’s a pragmatic resilience. No matter who wins, life will go on, but they can’t help but hope that the leader America chooses keeps democracy – their shared democratic ideal – in mind.
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Shahar Masori was raised in Hadera, Israel, and immigrated to San Diego in 2000, where he helped build a balloon decor business and raised two sons.