The difficulties in the negotiations on the return to the nuclear agreement have led some official elements in Israel to flaunt Israel's role in the apparent change of stance by the US administration. There were even those who pointed to the "removal" of the American envoy Rob Malley from his position. The US administration was quick to deny these Israeli statements. In the background were the interpretations given to the remarks by the head of the Mossad and others, which conveyed criticism and frustration in Israel regarding US policy on Iran.
The current administration is careful to show sympathy for Israel, but in Washington there are increasing voices, including among mainstream Democratic lawmakers, who do not understand policy positions taken by Israel that, in their view, are contrary to American interests. In this context especially noticeable is the growing progressive stream, which has a sizable representation in Congress; some in this camp hold anti-Israeli positions and work to promote an agenda against it. Prominent here was the criticism of the neutral approach adopted by Israel in connection with the war in Ukraine and more. At the same time, it is also important to take into account long-term, demographic, social, and economic processes in the US, which, although not directly related to Israel, are expected to have a great impact on the US agenda, including the nature of relations with Israel.
The Israeli leadership must defend what it considers important to Israel's national security. However, it must understand that even in Washington, in the administration as well as in Congress, Israel is expected to respect American interests and refrain from moves interpreted as embarrassing the administration. The approach in the dialogue with the administration should be professional and transparent while avoiding embarrassing the administration, when it has already been proven that public debates can quickly degenerate into a fight that harms the interests of both parties.
It is thus of the utmost importance that when Jerusalem formulates a coherent policy in the face of political and security challenges that require a discreet dialogue with the US administration on issues that occupy the international arena, let alone those that are at the heart of the American interest, Israel understands and takes into account the needs and policies of the United States. As far as Israel is concerned, relations with the United States are a top priority but not self-evident, and require that a clear choice be made – in favor of the United States over other interests.
The difficulties in the negotiations on the return to the nuclear agreement have led some official elements in Israel to flaunt Israel's role in the apparent change of stance by the US administration. There were even those who pointed to the "removal" of the American envoy Rob Malley from his position. The US administration was quick to deny these Israeli statements. In the background were the interpretations given to the remarks by the head of the Mossad and others, which conveyed criticism and frustration in Israel regarding US policy on Iran.
The current administration is careful to show sympathy for Israel, but in Washington there are increasing voices, including among mainstream Democratic lawmakers, who do not understand policy positions taken by Israel that, in their view, are contrary to American interests. In this context especially noticeable is the growing progressive stream, which has a sizable representation in Congress; some in this camp hold anti-Israeli positions and work to promote an agenda against it. Prominent here was the criticism of the neutral approach adopted by Israel in connection with the war in Ukraine and more. At the same time, it is also important to take into account long-term, demographic, social, and economic processes in the US, which, although not directly related to Israel, are expected to have a great impact on the US agenda, including the nature of relations with Israel.
The Israeli leadership must defend what it considers important to Israel's national security. However, it must understand that even in Washington, in the administration as well as in Congress, Israel is expected to respect American interests and refrain from moves interpreted as embarrassing the administration. The approach in the dialogue with the administration should be professional and transparent while avoiding embarrassing the administration, when it has already been proven that public debates can quickly degenerate into a fight that harms the interests of both parties.
It is thus of the utmost importance that when Jerusalem formulates a coherent policy in the face of political and security challenges that require a discreet dialogue with the US administration on issues that occupy the international arena, let alone those that are at the heart of the American interest, Israel understands and takes into account the needs and policies of the United States. As far as Israel is concerned, relations with the United States are a top priority but not self-evident, and require that a clear choice be made – in favor of the United States over other interests.