The Erosion of Trust: Why a “Normal” U.S.-Israeli Relationship is Vital for Long-Term Security adn Stability
for decades, the U.S.-Israeli relationship has been characterized as “special.” While rooted in shared values and strategic interests, this exceptionalism has morphed into a dynamic increasingly detrimental to both nations, and to the prospects for lasting peace in the Middle East.The time has come for a fundamental recalibration – a move towards a “normal” diplomatic relationship grounded in mutual respect, adherence to international norms, and a clear understanding of diverging interests. This isn’t about diminishing support for Israel; it’s about strengthening the alliance by making it sustainable and effective in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
My decades of experience in foreign policy, including direct engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian leadership, have underscored a troubling trend: the erosion of trust stemming from consistent, overt Israeli interference in U.S. domestic politics. This isn’t a matter of legitimate lobbying or expressing policy preferences. It’s a pattern of calculated intervention designed to influence U.S. elections and undermine policies supported by a majority of Americans. Examples are stark: Prime Minister Netanyahu‘s near-endorsement of Mitt Romney in 2012, his controversial address to Congress in 2015 specifically to discredit the Iran nuclear deal, and a consistent leaning towards the Republican party. While U.S. administrations have occasionally engaged in Israeli politics, these instances are far less frequent and lack the systematic, partisan nature of Israeli actions. No sovereign nation would tolerate such blatant interference from an ally, and Israel should expect no less.
This behavior isn’t merely a breach of diplomatic etiquette; it’s strategically self-defeating. Netanyahu’s overt partisanship has alienated a significant portion of the Democratic base, contributing to declining support for israel within a major U.S. political party. This polarization weakens the foundation of the alliance, making it vulnerable to shifts in the American political climate. A truly robust and enduring alliance requires broad bipartisan support, something increasingly jeopardized by the perception of Israel as a partisan political actor.
re-establishing a Healthy Dynamic: Beyond Unconditional Support
Normalizing the relationship doesn’t meen abandoning Israel. Continued cooperation in critical areas like intelligence sharing, technological innovation, and commercial exchange remains paramount. Nor does it absolve Palestinian leadership of their responsibility for internal reform or excuse the horrific actions of Hamas. However, it does require a shift away from decades of largely unconditional support, a policy that has demonstrably failed to advance peace and stability.
This recalibration necessitates a clear articulation of U.S.red lines and a willingness to enforce them. Specifically, the U.S. must:
* Deter West Bank Annexation: The prospect of Israel annexing the West Bank remains a significant threat to U.S. interests and the viability of a two-state solution.Washington must proactively define annexation – going beyond simply opposing ”unilateral steps” – and clearly communicate the consequences. This includes seriously considering stronger policy options, such as public censure and, crucially, targeted deductions from Israel’s substantial military assistance package, specifically impacting units involved in settlement construction. Withholding aid from those directly facilitating illegal settlements under international law would send a powerful signal of U.S. commitment to upholding international norms.
* Re-engage on Iran with a Unified Front: A more normal relationship allows for a more effective joint strategy to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Resuming nuclear negotiations with Iran requires securing Israel’s commitment to refrain from unilateral military action. This could be achieved through a pledge of reciprocal military response from the U.S. should Iran cross a pre-defined threshold. Conditionality is key: suspending arms sales in the event of an unauthorized Israeli strike, or bolstering Israel’s missile defense systems if Iran escalates its nuclear program, would create a framework for responsible action. Critically,Israel’s abstention from interfering in U.S. political debates on Iran would foster bipartisan consensus, strengthening the credibility of any U.S. policy.
* Enforce Existing Laws and Policies: The U.S. already has laws and policies designed to promote a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These need to be consistently and rigorously enforced, rather than routinely waived or ignored.
The Path Forward: A Challenging, But Necessary, Transition
The current political realities – a possibly returning Trump management and a right-wing Israeli government – present significant obstacles to this necessary shift. However,delaying this reckoning only exacerbates the problem. The longer the U.S. tolerates overt interference and unconditional support,the more entrenched these detrimental patterns become.
The transition to a “normal” relationship will be challenging. It will require difficult conversations, a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions, and a commitment to prioritizing long-term strategic interests over short-term political expediency. But the alternative – a continued erosion of trust, a weakening alliance, and a perpetuation of the status quo - is simply unacceptable.
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