Strategic Assessment
Throughout Operation Protective Edge, the Obama administration stressed that it recognized Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket and missile fire and the threat from the tunnels. However, it repeatedly demanded that Israel’s military campaign be proportionate and that it avoid escalation and harm to civilians as much as possible. In various incidents during the operation in which civilians were either killed or wounded, the administration criticized Israel’s military actions. Nevertheless, in the fifty days of fighting, it did not take meaningful steps to restrict Israel’s freedom of action. This US attitude demonstrates anew that the special relationship between the two countries, which has existed for many years, is stable and durable even in the face of serious disagreements that arise from time to time.