Generational Shift Reshapes US-Israel Ties
A significant generational shift is underway in the relationship between the United States and Israel, according to Kenneth Roth, a former executive director of Human Rights Watch. Tensions have been heightened by Israel's actions in Gaza and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role in pushing Donald Trump into a counterproductive war against Iran. Roth argues that stopping unconditional US support for Israel is crucial for curbing US complicity in Israeli war crimes and may be the best thing for Israel to avoid relentless military escalation.
Historical Context of US-Israel Relations
The US-Israel relationship was not always as close as in recent decades. At Israel's founding in 1948, President Harry Truman refused to send weapons to the new state. In 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower forced Israel to withdraw from the Sinai. However, things changed after attacks on Israel in 1967 and 1973, and Israel benefited from portraying itself as a bulwark against Soviet influence during the Cold War.
Growing Discontent in the US
Israeli atrocities in Gaza have alienated a growing percentage of the Democratic party and even younger Christian evangelicals. A Pew poll in April showed that 60% of American adults have a negative view of Israel, up 7% since last year and 20% since 2022. Among Democrats and Democratically inclined independents, 80% have an unfavorable opinion. Among Republicans aged 18 to 49, 57% have negative views.
Trump's Stance vs. Biden's
Trump showed more backbone than Biden in standing up to Netanyahu. Trump insisted on a ceasefire, and Netanyahu agreed, though Trump later seemed to lose interest. Biden, meanwhile, stopped delivering 2,000lb bombs but kept billions flowing in other military aid. Roth notes that US and Israeli interests no longer align: Trump wants a ceasefire, while Netanyahu wants endless war.
Iran War Accelerates Estrangement
The disastrous war with Iran has accelerated Israel's plummeting esteem in the US. Netanyahu bamboozled Trump into starting the war with unrealistic visions of regime change, saddling Trump with an emboldened Iranian regime. Trump, in frustration, called Netanyahu 'fucking crazy' for jeopardizing an accord with Iran.
Domestic Political Shifts
In New York City's primary election, support for Israel became the 'kiss of death.' Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the pro-Israel lobby group Aipac 'monsters,' and victorious candidates openly recognized Israel's genocide and apartheid. The future of the Democratic party lies in those who want to end the blank check to Israel.
Netanyahu's Future and Israel's Path
Netanyahu sees the writing on the wall and speaks of weaning Israel from US military aid, but over a decade. Roth argues that unconditional US support has enabled Israel's impunity, leaving it with inveterate opponents. An end to that support would force a reckoning with reality, recognizing that the subjugation of a people is a recipe for recurrent rebellion.
