Body language expert says Trump, Netanyahu greeting looked ‘almost like family'

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on October 12, shortly after Israel and Hamas announced a phase one peace deal. His visit aimed to show support for efforts to free hostages held in Gaza. Trump greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu like an old friend rather than a political ally.

Body language expert Judi James said the two leaders appeared very close, displaying a strong personal connection. Trump’s short stop in Israel is part of a wider trip across the Middle East during a fragile ceasefire following two years of conflict.

What did body language expert Judi James say about Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting?

According to Judi James, the meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu was unusually warm.

“This looks almost like a greeting between family members or at least very old and familiar friends,” she told Daily Express US.

James described Trump’s greeting style as a “double-up ritual,” where he continued engaging with those welcoming him while pulling Netanyahu into the group with one arm, forming an informal group hug.

She added, “Trump arrives looking slightly weary, subdued but emotional, as though feeling relief that his job might be finally done. There is the signature air fist but none of his usual alpha showboating."

The warmth continued as the two exchanged a partial hug. “He is greeted with warmth and expressions of affection through two-handed clasps in the initial handshakes. The man greeting him first even pulls him closer and pats his arm in a gesture of gratitude and happiness,” James noted.

She continued, “There are beaming smiles aimed up at him, and when he spots Netanyahu, he keeps these initial bonds by extending his left arm to include Netanyahu, pulling him into a hug with his hand on Netanyahu’s shoulder, while Netanyahu places his arm around Trump’s waist in a partial hug ritual.”

“Netanyahu’s rounded cheeks suggest he is beaming with delight,” James said. “Although Trump continues talking to others, he turns to Netanyahu, and the two men share a meaningful, warm stare."

Benjamin Netanyahu hails Donald Trump as Israel’s ‘greatest friend’ during meeting

On October 13, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Donald Trump the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had. His remarks came shortly after Hamas released the last 20 living hostages as part of the peace deal.

“No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu said. “It’s not even close."

He thanked Trump for standing up for Israel at the United Nations, recognizing Israel’s rights in the West Bank, and pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal, which he called “disastrous.”

Netanyahu also praised Trump for supporting Operation Rising Lion and launching Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran’s nuclear sites in June.

“Thank you for supporting Operation Rising Lion and for your bold decision to launch Operation Midnight Hammer,” Netanyahu said. “It’s the most fitting name ever given to a military operation, because a little after midnight, you really hammered them.”

He then announced that he had nominated Trump for the Israel Prize, the country’s highest honor. If approved, Trump would be the first non-Israeli to receive it.

During his remarks, Trump smiled and said of Netanyahu, “He’s not easy — not the easiest guy to deal with — but that’s what makes him great.”