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ISRAEL | America's Special Relationship?
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ISRAEL | America's Special Relationship?

Are US-Israel Relations at a Breaking Point?

The discussion delves into the historical context of the relationship between the United States and Israel, exploring pivotal moments that have shaped their ties over the years.

The Emergence of US-Israel Relationship

  • The United States and Israel have shared a close bond for over 50 years, rooted in economic, military, political, and diplomatic support.
  • Historical background: In 1917, Britain supported the creation of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, endorsed by President Woodrow Wilson.
  • US cautious stance: Over two decades post-WWI, the US maintained caution due to growing interests in the Middle East to avoid alienating Arab populations.

Shifts in US Policy

  • Recognition of Israel: The US was the first country to recognize Israel's independence in 1948 but aimed to maintain balance during conflicts with neighboring Arab states.
  • Cold War dynamics: Eisenhower's response to Suez Crisis marked a low point; Kennedy's presidency saw a shift towards increased economic aid and military cooperation with Israel.

US-Israel Strategic Shift

This segment explores critical events like The Six-Day War and subsequent developments that solidified the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel.

Strategic Alliance Formation

  • Six-Day War impact: After seizing strategic territories in 1967, Israel became crucial for countering Soviet influence as leading Arab states aligned with USSR.
  • Nixon's support: During conflicts with Egypt and Syria in 1973, Nixon authorized a significant airlift of supplies to Israel amid risks of US-USSR confrontation.

Peace Efforts and Diplomatic Milestones

The Complex Relationship Between the US and Israel

This section delves into the historical context and evolving dynamics of the relationship between the United States and Israel, highlighting key events that have shaped their interactions over time.

Evolution of Relations

  • The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War in 1991 marked a significant shift in power dynamics, positioning the United States as a dominant force in the Middle East.
  • The aftermath of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 paved the way for efforts to address the longstanding Palestinian-Israeli conflict, culminating in the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 at the White House.
  • Despite decades passing without the creation of a Palestinian state, American support for Israel remained robust, fueled by factors such as organized lobbying networks and right-wing Christian Evangelical influence.

Recent Developments

  • President Trump's administration brokered landmark agreements known as the Abraham Accords, leading four Arab states to recognize Israel. Under President Biden, continued strong support for Israel is evident through various forms of assistance.
  • Over decades, Israel has been a major recipient of US aid totaling billions of dollars economically and militarily. Recent conflict escalation with Hamas resulted in significant casualties and international attention.

Challenges and Tensions in US-Israel Relations

This segment explores recent challenges and tensions within US-Israel relations, particularly concerning military actions against Hamas and diplomatic repercussions.

Escalating Tensions

  • Discontent grew as Israeli military actions intensified from aerial bombings to ground assaults during conflicts with Hamas. Criticisms emerged regarding violations of international law by Israel.
  • South Africa's move to accuse Israel underlines increasing global scrutiny. Key figures like Chuck Schumer warned about potential isolation for Israel due to its actions.
  • A notable event occurred on March 25, 2024 when the United States abstained from a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. This decision sparked anger from Israel.

Strained Relations

  • Subsequent events further strained relations between both nations, including criticism from President Biden regarding civilian protection measures by Israeli forces during conflicts.
  • While tensions exist between leaders like Netanyahu and Biden, overall support for Israel from Washington remains steadfast despite occasional disagreements.

Future Prospects

Channel: Prof James Ker-Lindsay - Videos
Video description

As the war in Gaza continues, tensions between the United States and Israel are growing. This came to a head on 25 March 2024. After vetoing three draft Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire, the US abstained on the latest vote, thus allowing the resolution to pass. This led to accusations from the Israeli government that Washington was hampering its effort to defeat Hamas. Set against the backdrop of growing strains between US President Joe Biden and Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, many are now asking whether the alliance between the United States and Israel is at breaking point? The special relationship between the United States and Israel has deep roots. Havign taken control of Palestine in the First World War, Britain issued the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which laid the foundation for a Jewish national home. However, while this was endorsed by US President Woodrow Wilson, American support was also balanced by sensitivities towards the Arab Middle East. However, the horrors of the Holocaust catalysed support for Israel's creation and led to a UN plan to partition Palestine. On 14 May 1948, the US became the first country to recognise Israel's independence. But while Washington tried to balance relations in the years that followed and forced Israel to withdraw from Sinai during the 1956 Suez Crisis, the dynamic shifted as the Cold War intensified. After the Six-Day War, Israel became a key ally against Soviet-backed Arab states. Despite occasional friction, the strategic alliance has steadily strengthened since then. This led to landmark breakthroughs like the Camp David Accords and the Oslo Accords. However, while US-Israel ties have remained strong in the 21st century, the special relationship faces new trials amidst escalating conflicts, notably the recent war in Gaza. Historical US support, typified by vetoing UN resolutions critical of Israel and extensive military aid, came under particular strain in March 2024 when the US abstained from a UN call for a ceasefire. This development, with growing criticism from the Biden Administration, signals potential changes in a historically steadfast alliance. While the strategic partnership remains strong, significant challenges may be on the horizon. *MY NEW BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press https://global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049 Amazon https://amzn.to/2MPY3W2 Audiobooks.com https://www.audiobooks.co.uk/audiobook/secession-and-state-creation-what-everyone-needs-to-know/637281 *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, please subscribe. Even better, perhaps consider becoming a Channel Member or supporting the Channel through Patreon. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE http://www.youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay?sub_confirmation=1 BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER http://www.youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join JOIN MY PATREON PAGE https://www.patreon.com/JamesKerLindsay *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Titles 00:52 Special Relationships in International Relations 01:39 The United States and the Creation of Israel 03:36 The Emergence of the US-Israel Special Relationship 06:23 The United States and Middle East Peace Processes 08:08 US Support for Israel since 2000 10:14 The United States and Israel’s War in Gaza 12:22 Are US-Israel Relations at Breaking Point? *SOURCES AND FURTHER READING* Israel | Ministry of Foreign Affairs https://www.gov.il/en/departments/ministry_of_foreign_affairs/ US State Department | Israel https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/israel/ American Israel Public Affairs Committee | AIPAC https://www.aipac.org Council on Foreign Relations | U.S. Aid to Israel https://www.cfr.org/article/us-aid-israel-four-charts Question of Palestine | Vetoed Resolutions https://www.un.org/unispal/document-category/vetoed-draft-resolution/?wpv_view_count=4164 *EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO* https://kit.co/JamesKerLindsay *MAP CONTENT* https://www.themaparchive.com *DISCLAIMERS* - The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation. - Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you. #Israel #UnitedStates #Palestine