US-ISRAEL
1. Context
Within days of the October 7 attack by Hamas inside Israel, killing at least 1,400 people, President Joe Biden travelled to Israel to declare solidarity with the Jewish state. Mr. Biden described Hamas as “unadulterated evil” and stated that America “stands with Israel”.
2.Origins of US-Israel relationships
The relationship between the United States and Israel has deep historical roots, and several factors have contributed to its development
Key Aspects about Origin of US-Israel relationships:
- The United States and Israel share common values, such as democracy and a commitment to religious freedom. Many Americans have long supported the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the historical land of Israel, in part due to biblical ties and historical sympathies
- The horrors of the Holocaust during World War II had a profound impact on public opinion in the United States and around the world. The idea of a Jewish homeland gained significant support in the aftermath of the war, leading to the recognition of the State of Israel in 1948
- On May 14, 1948, President Harry S. Truman officially recognized the State of Israel just moments after its declaration of independence. Truman's decision was influenced by both personal convictions and domestic political considerations
- The United States saw strategic interests in supporting a stable and democratic Israel in the Middle East. This included countering Soviet influence in the region and maintaining a reliable ally in a volatile part of the world
- The United States has provided substantial military and economic aid to Israel over the years, further cementing the relationship. This support has continued to the present day, making Israel one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid.
- The two countries established full diplomatic relations in 1949, and the United States has consistently supported Israel in international forums, including the United Nations.
- The U.S. relationship with Israel has been influenced by various domestic factors, including the role of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in lobbying for pro-Israel policies, and the strong support for Israel among certain segments of the American population
- The United States has also played a significant role in mediating peace efforts in the Middle East, including the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization
3. Current Status of US-Israel ties
- The United States and Israel share strong historical and economic connections, with the U.S. consistently backing Israel since the 1960s in economic terms.
- In terms of economic ties, the U.S. stands as Israel's primary trade partner, engaging in annual bilateral trade valued at nearly $50 billion, covering a wide range of goods and services.
- This trade relationship encompasses important sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, and raw minerals. Various treaties and agreements, such as the 1985 U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), serve to cement and enhance these economic ties.
- Moreover, the United States has established cooperation agreements with Israel across areas like energy, space, and transportation, further strengthening their economic collaboration.
- In terms of foreign aid, Israel stands as the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, having received substantial assistance.
- Up until February 2022, the U.S. had provided Israel with a non-inflation-adjusted total of $150 billion in bilateral assistance. As part of this support, the U.S. is also sending two U.S. Iron Dome systems to Israel to reinforce air defense capabilities, safeguarding citizens from rocket attacks.
- Beyond these economic and security ties, the U.S. has shown support for the establishment of a Jewish state since World War II. Israelis have looked to the United States for various forms of support, including political inspiration, financial assistance, military aid, and diplomatic backing.
4.Were there any tensions between US and ISrael at any point of time?
Tensions have arisen at various points in the relationship between the United States and Israel, primarily due to differences in policy, strategic interests, and regional dynamics. It's important to note that the relationship between the two countries is generally strong and characterized by extensive cooperation in areas such as security, intelligence sharing, and economic ties. Israel is considered one of the United States' closest allies in the Middle East
The following are considerable Instances:
- One of the most enduring sources of tension has been the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
- The U.S. government, at times, has criticized Israel for its settlement construction, which it sees as an obstacle to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Differences in approach and rhetoric regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have occasionally strained the relationship.
- Disagreements over the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have also created tensions.
- The Obama administration negotiated the JCPOA in 2015, and it aimed to curb Iran's nuclear program.
- Israel was strongly opposed to the deal, and this created friction with the U.S. government at the time. Subsequent administrations, including the Trump administration, took different approaches to the JCPOA, which continued to affect the U.S.-Israel relationship.
- While the United States provides substantial military and financial aid to Israel, there have been occasional disputes over specific arms sales or security assistance packages. These disputes often revolve around concerns about the potential impact on regional stability or U.S. strategic interests
- The U.S. and Israel do not always see eye to eye on various regional and international issues. These differences in policy and priorities can lead to tensions. For example, differences in approach to the Syrian civil war or the Israeli government's stance on the peace process with the Palestinians have caused tensions at times.
5. Way forward
The overall relationship between the United States and Israel remains strong, with extensive cooperation in many areas, including military, intelligence, and economic matters. The two countries share common democratic values and have a long history of working together. The level of support for Israel in the United States, both within the government and among the American public, remains high.
Source: The Hindu
