WASHINGTON AND JERUSALEM: How Much Room Does Israel Have to Choose Its Own Path?
WASHINGTON AND JERUSALEM: How Much Room Does Israel Have to Choose Its Own Path? EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: 1. The "Ironclad" Illusion: The US-Israel relationship is often described as an "ironclad" alliance. However, this alliance is highly asymmetrical. Israel relies on the US for military aid, diplomatic cover at the UN, and economic support. This dependency severely limits Israel's true strategic independence. 2. The Trump Factor: Under the second Trump administration, the US has taken an unusually pro-Israel stance, including recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and moving the embassy to Jerusalem. However, Trump's "America First" policy also means the US expects Israel to align with American interests, particularly regarding the normalization of ties with Saudi Arabia and avoiding a direct war with Iran that could drag the US into a broader conflict. 3. The Gaza Dilemma: The US has repeatedly stated its opposition to a permanent Isr...