Vision to Reality: The Reut Blog

In light of the recent visit of three members of Congress to Gaza and their ensuing criticism of Israel, are Israel – US relations changing for the worse?

In a weekend feature on this issue, the Jerusalem Post  quotes a Jewish official who states that “There are some indications so far that show there’s a different atmosphere… an air of independence, and people are more emboldened in their approach to this issue in general.

The article suggests this new atmosphere is due to 3 main trends;

• AIPAC losing its monopoly over Jewish support of Israel (with the creation of J Street);
• Obama pro peace rhetoric and actions which reverberates on Capitol Hill and sometimes embolden members of Congress to speak out; and
• Israel’s ambiguous policy towards the Palestinians which invites others to step into the vacuum and state their own opinions.

Ex AIPAC legislative director Doug Bloomfield argues that it’s not a big sea change but “There is a foundation there [in Congress] for a shift to a more activist peace policy…”The foundation has already been laid by the administration.”

In the past, Israel – US relations have been based on shared values and interests. But in the current environment, should Israeli decision makers be worried that this special relationship is being eroded.