The United States administration, while continuing to provide assistance to Israel for the military campaign in Gaza and the efforts to release the hostages, is now devoting most of its efforts to promote a plan to shape the regional architecture on the day after the war, although it is clear there is still a long road ahead. As the administration sees it, the burden of proof that the war entails a political opportunity rests on Israel. It has identified, perhaps for the first time in such clear fashion, readiness for this on the...
The United States administration wants to grant Israel special aid of more than $14.2 billion for the war in the Gaza Strip. An analysis of the items in the proposal, which has not yet earned final approval in Congress, shows that it will enable Israel to renew its inventory of essential munitions – above all, interceptors for air defense. A quarter of the amount will be earmarked for implementing lessons from the war, and the Israeli establishment must formulate appropriate approaches for proper use of this package.
The October 7 massacre in the western Negev and the subsequent war with Hamas have generated a notable surge in antisemitism and hatred of Israel in the United States. This phenomenon is characterized principally by a high level of hostility displayed toward Israel, numerous violent acts targeting Jews, and significant participation by younger people in protests, particularly Millennials and Generation Zers, many of whom refuse to see Israel as a victim of aggression and, rather, justify the actions of Hamas. These phenomena are...
The US administration continues to support Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas, which is why it has thus far refrained from calling for a ceasefire and even went so far as to use its veto power to block a Security Council resolution. However, the administration has presented Israel with clear boundaries, especially when it comes to ensuring humanitarian aid to Gaza and the protection of civilian lives. It has also expressed some degree of frustration with what it sees as Israel’s insufficient response to US concerns and with the lack of...
The US administration continues to provide Israel with political backing to continue the war against Hamas. However, Israel must avoid taking US patience for granted and remember that at a certain point, perhaps fairly soon, the US political clock will no longer be synchronized with the Israeli military clock. Therefore, priority must be given to a policy that supports retaining the US commitment and securing the space for political action to enable the fighting to continue until the military objectives are achieved.
The increase in attacks by pro-Iranian militias against the US presence in Iraq and Syria, and the corresponding increase in the number of US forces in the region – coupled with the clear warnings from senior US officials that they hold Iran responsible for the tension – are signs of possible escalation. Although neither the United States nor Iran wants a direct confrontation, these developments, in addition to the potential deterioration of the situation between Israel and Hezbollah, have heightened the possibility of such a...
The visit to Israel by US President Joe Biden is firm proof that the United States stands fully by Israel’s side, while providing tangible support in maintaining and bolstering IDF capabilities and deterring potential threats from other arenas, primarily Hezbollah and Iran. But the visit was also designed to help Washington understand Israel’s goals in the war, the prospects of success, and the plans for the day after. The longer the fighting continues, the wider the gaps will be between Israeli and US policy, due to the...
In the framework of the regional initiative promoted by the US administration, Saudi Arabia hopes to sign a defense pact with the United States. A strengthened US commitment to an important ally such as Saudi Arabia and an increased US military presence in the Middle East are clearly in Israel’s interest. Therefore, Israel should not have a serious problem with a US security commitment to the Kingdom, including a defense pact between the two countries. However, Jerusalem should try to guarantee that a robust defense pact will obviate...
Two parallel and contradictory processes are currently underway between the United States and Iran. With the mediation of Qatar and Oman, the two countries reached a prisoner exchange agreement in return for the release of approximately $10 billion in frozen assets, which would be deposited in a Qatari bank and serve Iranian humanitarian needs. At the same time, the United States has reinforced its forces in and around the Strait of Hormuz with warships and thousands of marines, as well as fighter jets, some of which are carrying...
INSS researchers: “Israel’s strategic importance to the United States is relevant only as long as the shared values are safeguarded. At this time, the special relations are in danger, especially given the widening gaps on the perception of democracy, Israeli policy on the Palestinian issue, and the growing alienation between the American Jewish community and the State of Israel.”
In recent weeks there have been reports of contacts between the United States and Iran to formulate a framework of understandings, whereby Tehran will agree to certain restrictions on its nuclear program and release Americans detained in Iran. In exchange, some of the sanctions will be eased, including the release of Iranian funds frozen overseas. If these understandings materialize, Iran will enjoy a considerable financial benefit and will also be able to retain the fissile material it has accumulated. For the United States, these...
