-
The Struggle of Symbols and Emotions
"My uncle returned empty-handed," carrying his inevitable end after the Oval Office meeting, marked by a series of striking transformations that raised contradictory questions within Israeli political circles regarding the implications of Tel Aviv's loss of its ability to influence American decisions.
This is particularly significant as the Arab world sees such visits as a form of complicity against the Palestinian cause, which is known in collective psychology as "wounded memory." In contrast to their previous meeting in early February, where Netanyahu enjoyed Trump’s absolute support on various issues, this time, Netanyahu aimed to strengthen his legitimacy and internal support in light of Israeli criticisms and accusations of corruption against him. Thus, this visit served to provide him
with the psychological and popular internal boost known as the motivation to reinforce the "threatened self." Meanwhile, we find the affirmation of influence and power in his narcissistic personality with aggressive behavior as a psychological defense mechanism known as compensation, where the leader compensates for internal rejection with external acceptance, especially with an administration that openly sympathized with him and moved the embassy to Jerusalem—a step that carries deep symbolism. This made Netanyahu utilize the visit as a symbolic psychological tool, employing Trump as a "validator of legitimacy," a "mirror of greatness," and a "fatherly ally" that satisfies psychological needs of the public.
The scene is filled with unconscious indications, in a dramatic moment inside the Oval Office; "Netanyahu appeared to be taken aback. He swallowed hard, glanced quickly to the right and left, his eyes moved anxiously, then he frowned and lowered his head." In that moment, Trump publicly announced that "the United States is engaged in direct talks with Iran." This is not just a political meeting but a psychological display of authority, legitimacy, and identity aimed at gaining the support of the Jewish lobby in America and appeasing evangelical Christians supportive of Israel.
While Trump is concerned with the media and symbolic image, and meetings with global leaders enhance his image as a strong president, this time he approaches politics as a game or a deal, always seeking "the picture that screams victory," feeding a narcissistic impulse resonating with a psychological concept known as "exhibitionist narcissism," using relationships not as human connections but as "decorative elements" that embellish his image. Even with his Israeli ally who received hints to cease attempts to escalate tensions in Gaza and the Iranian file, focusing instead on broader security coordination with Washington.
However, in the collective identity, which psychology calls "identity fragmentation," we find a reactivation of feelings of historical injustice, causing collective psychological stress in Arab societies, especially with the subsequent rapprochement of some Arab countries with Israel (such as the Abraham Accords). This evokes a sense of betrayal of the cause for some populations, creating a psychological and political division in Arab public opinion that may lead to the radicalization of certain trends or the withdrawal of others from public action. Some view the relationship as a "peace alliance," while others consider it "normalization at the expense of justice." Thus, peoples translate these symbols into strong emotions of anger, pride, frustration, or support, depending on their political and cultural positioning, while also considering another visit at the same time that overshadowed the first, particularly the Egyptian political message embodied by Macron's visit, which created a psychological impression of "wise and realistic leadership" attempting to maintain balance amid global turmoil, as if it were a relationship based on diplomatic coolness and regulated parity. Macron does not display emotional impulsiveness, and Sisi often speaks from the standpoint of Egyptian sovereignty. This reflects psychologically on the Arab citizen with a relative sense of dignity and discipline, but it does not generate significant excitement or public pride.
Meetings are often technocratic, addressing the elite more than the masses, and thus do not stimulate feelings of victory or enthusiasm; rather, they reinforce feelings of stability and order among certain groups.
Dr. Ameera Habareer
