In recent months, despite many disagreements with Israel regarding both the conduct of the war in Gaza and events in Judea and Samaria, the American administration has generally maintained restraint. With the exception of a few protest measures—primarily the sanctions imposed on extreme right-wing elements and the delay of one shipment of 900-kilogram bombs, for fear that they would be used during the operation in Rafah—, cooperation continued as usual, including the uninterrupted delivery of ammunition and continued political support. The decision to cancel the periodic strategic meeting between the two countries on the issue of Iran came in response to a video published by Prime Minister Netanyahu, in which he attacks the administration for “delaying the shipments of weapons.” It expresses the White House’s displeasure and the immediate need to demonstrate to the Prime Minister of Israel that there is a price to be paid for such public criticism. The administration's anger was roused because publication of the video allowed the Republicans to attack the administration, which indeed senior Republicans have done.
Despite the disputes and resentment, the administration has an interest in continuing the strategic dialogue with Israel. Particularly at the present time, in the face of the tremendous challenges facing Israel in the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and the possibility of expanding the fighting against Hezbollah, alongside Iran's progress in its nuclear program, strategic meetings such as this one are of great importance for Israel. Furthermore, the U.S. administration has no interest in escalating a conflict with Israel in the coming months during the election campaign. But its reaction to this latest episode proves that even in its view there are limits that when crossed require a response.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to give a speech on July 24 before a joint meeting of Congress and the Senate. Although the invitation came from the Democrats, led by President Biden, Democratic criticism of the invitation is growing and it is likely that some of them will seek to express their opposition in different ways during his visit. It is advisable that Prime Minister Netanyahu refrain from statements and actions that will only exacerbate the conflict with the Democratic Party during his visit and especially in his speech. It is in Israel's clear interest to avoid any move that contributes to the escalating bipartisan conflict in the US, especially in the leadup to the elections. It is likely that the administration's latest move is also intended to deter Netanyahu from using his speech to attack the Democratic party.
In recent months, despite many disagreements with Israel regarding both the conduct of the war in Gaza and events in Judea and Samaria, the American administration has generally maintained restraint. With the exception of a few protest measures—primarily the sanctions imposed on extreme right-wing elements and the delay of one shipment of 900-kilogram bombs, for fear that they would be used during the operation in Rafah—, cooperation continued as usual, including the uninterrupted delivery of ammunition and continued political support. The decision to cancel the periodic strategic meeting between the two countries on the issue of Iran came in response to a video published by Prime Minister Netanyahu, in which he attacks the administration for “delaying the shipments of weapons.” It expresses the White House’s displeasure and the immediate need to demonstrate to the Prime Minister of Israel that there is a price to be paid for such public criticism. The administration's anger was roused because publication of the video allowed the Republicans to attack the administration, which indeed senior Republicans have done.
Despite the disputes and resentment, the administration has an interest in continuing the strategic dialogue with Israel. Particularly at the present time, in the face of the tremendous challenges facing Israel in the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and the possibility of expanding the fighting against Hezbollah, alongside Iran's progress in its nuclear program, strategic meetings such as this one are of great importance for Israel. Furthermore, the U.S. administration has no interest in escalating a conflict with Israel in the coming months during the election campaign. But its reaction to this latest episode proves that even in its view there are limits that when crossed require a response.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to give a speech on July 24 before a joint meeting of Congress and the Senate. Although the invitation came from the Democrats, led by President Biden, Democratic criticism of the invitation is growing and it is likely that some of them will seek to express their opposition in different ways during his visit. It is advisable that Prime Minister Netanyahu refrain from statements and actions that will only exacerbate the conflict with the Democratic Party during his visit and especially in his speech. It is in Israel's clear interest to avoid any move that contributes to the escalating bipartisan conflict in the US, especially in the leadup to the elections. It is likely that the administration's latest move is also intended to deter Netanyahu from using his speech to attack the Democratic party.