U.S. and Israel: A Complex Relationship
An alliance is a formal agreement between two or more countries, organizations, or entities to cooperate and work together to achieve common goals, interests, or security objectives. NATO is a mutual defense military alliance. It was established in 1949 after a treaty agreement passed the United States Senate by a two-thirds vote and it was signed by member nations.
A Strategic Partnership, Not an Alliance
The United States and Israel have had a strategic partnership since Israel was established in 1948. However, they never signed a treaty creating a formal alliance. Israel may be a “friend” of the United States, but it is not an ally. I put “friend” in quotes because the current government of Israel is not a very good friend of the United States. It pursues policies that run counter to U.S. interests in the Middle East and around the world and it meddles in U.S. politics to create partisan political tension and influence elections. Foreign interference in United States elections is a federal crime.
Netanyahu’s Controversial Actions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of war crimes by the International Court of Justice, should never have been invited to address a joint session of Congress. His speech to Congress and the assassination by Israel of a Hamas negotiator in Iran were further efforts to torpedo cease-fire talks in Israel’s war on Gaza and an effort to manipulate the United States into a broader Middle Eastern conflict. The United States continues to arm Israel for the Netanyahu-led war on Gaza, despite opposition from tens of thousands of Israelis who oppose his military strategy and are demanding an immediate cease-fire that would allow for the return of October 7th hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu is not a friend of the United States, and he is hated by many Israelis.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Israeli actions using American-supplied weapons have killed over 40,000 people in Gaza, mostly unarmed civilians, in a war seemingly without end. The United States keeps pressing Israel to negotiate a cease-fire with Hamas, which governed Gaza before the latest war broke out after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, but Israel has always found an excuse to prevent any settlement.
Violations in the West Bank
In addition to its actions in Gaza, Israel has systematically violated the rights of Palestinians on the West Bank in territory Israel has occupied since 1967 and where it has established illegal Israeli settlements in violation of international law. While Israel claims there will eventually be some kind of resolution on the West Bank, the goal of members of the Netanyahu cabinet is to annex the territory and expel Palestinians. Scathing reports on Israel’s behavior on the West Bank have been reported on in the New York Times and on John Oliver’s weekly HBO program. After a recent Israeli attack on an aid caravan bringing food and fuel to a hospital, France accused Israel of “worsening a climate of unprecedented instability and violence.” Great Britain announced it was “deeply concerned by the ongoing IDF military operation in the occupied West Bank” and suspended arms export licenses to Israel because of a “clear risk” these weapons could be used in serious violation of international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, the U.S. remains silent.
Financial Support and Legal Implications
If Israel is truly an American “friend,” the United States has the ability to apply much greater pressure to force Israel to accept a cease-fire in Gaza and the creation of a Palestinian state on the West Bank. As of February 2022, Israel received over $150 billion from the United States, making it the largest recipient of U.S. military aid. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the United States has given Israel an additional $12.5 billion in military aid. However, under the 1997 Leahy Law, the United States cannot provide security assistance to foreign governments or groups when there is “credible information” they are committing “gross violations of human rights.” If Israel does not stop, the United States must stop funding its actions.
Private Donations and Sanctions
Israel also receives somewhere between $2.5 and $6 billion annually from American individuals and organizations. Groups that provide Israel with major funds include AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee); Jewish Federations of North America; Birthright Israel; and Christian Zionist organizations like Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Invoking Executive Order 13224 (2001), intended to block funds that could be used to finance terrorist activities, would enable the United States government to stop public and private aid to Israel until it agreed to a cease-fire in Gaza and formation of an independent Palestinian state on the West Bank. In addition, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) can impose sanctions on Israel. This would freeze its assets in the United States and prohibit Americans from doing business there.
Political Influence and Public Opinion
AIPAC’s Super PAC United Democracy Project spent almost $9 million defeating Missouri Congressional Representative Cori Bush in a Democratic Party primary because of her opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, which she has described as a genocide. Because she is African American, as part of its strategy, AIPAC created a front group, the National Black Empowerment Action Fund, to campaign against Bush. AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups spent a combined $17 million in a successful effort to defeat Congressman Jamaal Bowman in a Democratic Party primary in June because he called for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Despite the enormous funding being used to influence opinion and silence dissenters, according to a June CBS News Poll, over 60% of Americans believe the United States should stop sending weapons and supplies to Israel as long as its war on Gaza continues. Sixty-two percent supported sending humanitarian aid to Palestinians under attack.
Biden-Harris Administration’s Stance
In her acceptance speech, Kamala Harris reiterated the three foundations of the Biden-Harris administration’s policy on Israel, Gaza, and Palestine:
- The U.S. remains a strong supporter of Israel’s right to self-defense;
- The U.S. continues to press for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza to protect civilians and permit the return of hostages;
- The U.S. endorses the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
No U.S. actions against Israel and pro-Israel lobbying groups would be necessary if Israel acted responsibly on the West Bank and in Gaza and it decides to be truly a friend of the United States.
FAQs on Israel and Netanyahu
1. “Israel is not an ally”?
Israel’s actions and policies under Netanyahu’s leadership have led to a reevaluation of their relationship with the United States and other countries. It implies that traditional alliances may be strained due to disagreements over issues like settlements, military actions, and human rights.
2. Why is Netanyahu considered not a friend by some?
The article criticizes Netanyahu for his handling of various international issues, including his stance on Palestinian rights, his approach to Iran, and his perceived disregard for diplomatic norms. Critics argue that his policies have alienated many nations and created tensions in the region.
3. What are the main criticisms of Netanyahu’s foreign policy?
The article highlights several key criticisms: his support for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, his hawkish stance on Iran, and his handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that these policies have undermined peace efforts and exacerbated regional instability.
4. How has the US-Israel relationship changed under Netanyahu?
The article suggests that the relationship has become increasingly strained. There have been disagreements over issues like settlements, military actions in Gaza, and human rights abuses. This has led to a reevaluation of the alliance by some in the US government and public opinion.
5. What role does the article assign to the US in its relationship with Israel?
The article implies that the US has a significant role to play in influencing Israel’s policies. It suggests that the US should reexamine its support for Israel given the current political climate and human rights concerns. The article argues for a more balanced approach that considers both Israeli security needs and Palestinian rights.
6. How does the article view the impact of Netanyahu’s policies on regional stability?
The article argues that Netanyahu’s policies have contributed to regional instability. It points out that his actions have led to increased tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Iran, and have hindered peace negotiations with Palestinians.
7. What are some specific examples of Netanyahu’s actions criticized in the article?
The article mentions several specific examples: his support for expanding settlements in the West Bank, his role in the Gaza wars, and his handling of human rights issues within Israel. These actions are seen as divisive and detrimental to peace efforts.
8. How does the article address the issue of human rights in Israel under Netanyahu?
The article criticizes Netanyahu for his government’s handling of human rights issues within Israel. It points out concerns over treatment of minorities, particularly Arab citizens, and allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
9. What does the article suggest should be done about Netanyahu’s leadership?
The article suggests that there should be a reevaluation of Netanyahu’s leadership both domestically and internationally. It implies that his policies have become too divisive and that a change in leadership could potentially improve relations with other countries and address internal issues.
10. How might this shift in perception affect future US foreign policy decisions?
The article argues that this shift in perception could lead to a more nuanced approach to US foreign policy towards Israel. It suggests that future decisions might prioritize human rights and regional stability over traditional alliances based solely on strategic interests.
