Vision to Reality: The Reut Blog

This Israeli-US tension may have been avoided if Israel had developed a new strategy regarding the political process. It still may not be too late for Israel to do so and influence the policies of the US. However, in the absence of a relevant strategy, Israel will continue to be led by the international community

Prior to President Obama’s speech in Cairo, some reports indicated the concern in Jerusalem that the speech would ‘surprise’ Israel with new American demands. Ultimately though, there was nothing new in Obama’s reaffirmation of his support for a two-state solution and his opposition to Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Regardless, several signs indicate that the special relations between Israel and the US are becoming compromised. For example, in the past, US political initiatives or statements regarding Israel would generally be coordinated in advance. The reported tension in Jerusalem prior to Obama’s speech indicates that it was clearly not the case this time.

Other recent reports suggest that that the US is considering decreasing its support for Israel at the UN or that the US may change its position regarding Israel’s policy of nuclear ambiguity.
Regardless of whether these reports are accurate or not, the importance of the special relations Israel enjoys with the US remains one of the cornerstones of Israel’s National Security Strategy.

Related Links

Reassessment of the Israeli Palestinian Political Process: Lead or Be Led