In the latest JISS podcast episode, I sat down with Professor Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations, to do a deep dive into the decision-making processes in Washington and Jerusalem. 

Highlights from Prof. Gilboa’s comments: 

We are witnessing unprecedented military and political coordination between the United States and Israel, marking the first time the two nations have fought a full war together. 

However, President Trump is navigating this conflict without the traditional “rally around the flag” effect. American public opinion is deeply polarized ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, with polling showing most Republicans supporting the war and most Democrats opposing it. Furthermore, the President is facing pushback from isolationist segments of his own MAGA base who expected an era of ‘peace.’ 

Defining Victory and Navigating the Energy Market

These intense domestic political factors have forced President Trump and his advisors to repeatedly clarify the war’s goals and timeline. Recently, the President indicated that the conflict will not go on for much longer, choosing to highlight the destruction of the Iranian Navy, Air Force, missile capabilities, and the severe degradation of the IRGC and Basij forces. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has effectively defined “victory” as the elimination of Iran’s military capabilities, both in terms of equipment and personnel.

Energy prices are also playing a major role in American decision-making, especially with the 2026 midterms approaching. Gasoline prices have risen by 25% since the war began, which is a significant concern for the Trump administration. In response, the President has expressed a willingness to use military force to keep the Straits of Hormuz open, establishing a clear equation that any Iranian harassment of oil shipments will result in the targeting of Iran’s own power infrastructure.

The Gulf States and Iran’s Backfiring Strategy

Iran’s strategy of firing missiles at Arab Gulf states was intended to terrorize these wealthy nations into forming a panicked anti-war lobby that would pressure Washington to stop the offensive. According to Professor Gilboa, this strategy has backfired. While the Gulf states initially attempted to influence President Trump against going to war, Iran’s unprovoked attacks have fundamentally shifted their perspective.

Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani explicitly stated that Iran betrayed them, having expected their oil and gas facilities to remain off-limits. Consequently, these nations are now working with the United States against Iran, viewing the current campaign as a golden opportunity to permanently neutralize the violent, terror-sponsoring regime.

Long-Term Concerns for the US-Israel Alliance

Despite the historic achievements of the current operation, Professor Gilboa issued a stark warning regarding the future of the US-Israel relationship. Israel is becoming a highly polarizing issue in the upcoming 2026 elections for both the Democratic and Republican parties. For the first time, some Democratic candidates are openly prioritizing Palestinian support over Israel and discussing voting against military collaboration.

There is a deeply concerning trend among younger demographics, including young Jewish and Evangelical voters, who are heavily influenced by anti-Israel narratives on college campuses. To preserve this vital alliance in the post-Trump era, both the Israeli government and the American Jewish community must urgently revamp their public diplomacy efforts and confront the sophisticated, left-wing antisemitism that frequently disguises itself as human rights advocacy.