On the Israeli Relationship

In June 1967, in response to growing threats by its Arab neighbors, Israel engaged in a preemptive war against Egypt, Syria and Jordan. In 6 days it pretty much decimated their combined military capability. It was at that time that the U.S. began to see Israel as a strategic asset in the  volatile Middle East. Israel was viewed as a powerful, democratic ally that could advance U.S. interests in the region. That relationship has grown into full scale military, economic and political backing, with few questions asked. Israel has become something of an appendage to America and to question the relationship or to deny any Israeli request borders on treason.

Slowly over the years, the relationship has been turned on its head. Our support now seems to serve Israel’s interest, not necessarily ours; regrettably our interests do not always coincide. For example, the 57 year military occupation of Palestinians and the expansive settlement program in the West Bank are not consistent with American values, are tarnishing our image with many of our allies, and are a contravention of international laws to which both the U.S. and Israel are signatories.

Israel is still an important ally and we should continue  to have its back. But at the same time our support cannot be a blank check, without regard to our own welfare. Today we are seen as complicit in an any and all Israeli actions, even those on which we have not been consulted, let alone signed off on. It would be good that our and Israel’s strategic plans for the region  coincide, but apparently they often do not.

The loudest voices in support of Israel’s domestic policies for the Palestinian territories come from our right wing  Christian evangelists community who believe Israel’s expansion throughout the land is a necessary precondition for the Rapture, the return of Christ. This group does not speak for all America. I’m a Christian too but we live in the present not in the Rapture and our policies must reflect what is right and good for America today.

It has been said by many inside and outside America that our Middle East policy is drawn up in Tel Aviv. We need to ensure that is not the case.

We, as a country, have dabbled in foreign relations and foreign policies – – with some notable mistakes along the way – – for over 200 years.  We are not novices in this business. We want Israel to have a bright, peaceful and secure future. Many of its Middle East policies do not bode well to that end. We do them and ourselves a disservice when we enable those policies. 

– – – – Just the view of a common man