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FBI’s decision to investigate IDF ‘undermines the Pentagon’s own conclusions’
Israel-US Relations Following US Midterm Elections
Rise of far-right political power in Israel may impact relations with US on defense
Biden to host Israeli President Isaac Herzog as sign of close ties
Israel engages Washington on Iran: What does Lapid hope to achieve?
Differences between U.S., Israel on Iran nuke issue remain despite Biden's visit
Biden’s trip produced mixed bag of results for Israel, say experts
The Biden staff's refusal to allow Israeli officials to accompany Biden to Augusta Victoria is ill-considered for a few reasons.
The Many Messages of Biden’s Mideast Trip
The many messages of Biden’s Mideast trip
Biden’s Visit to Israel
Connecting Strategic Dots: Biden's Visit to the Middle East
The US Defense Establishment’s Special Relationship with Israel
The US defense establishment’s special relationship with Israel
Will President Biden Play an Active Role in Israel’s Election Campaign?
What’s on the agenda for Biden’s Israel visit?
Israel offers the US military and, even more so, the intelligence community critical support. For example, the US Army has gained through the acquisition of the Iron Dome missile defense system, tank technology such as reactive armor, solutions to the challenge of terrorist improvised explosive devices, mine-clearing devices, and much more. In turn, the US defense establishment –specifically CENTCOM, now that Israel is in its area of responsibility – increasingly reflects Israeli perspectives in Washington policy debates. This has recently been the case on Iran.
Connecting Strategic Dots: Biden’s Visit to the Middle East
IRGC Stays on US Terror List after Israeli Pressure
Biden visit to Israel aims to please, but may alienate all parties instead
Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz Heads to US, Will Meet Austin at Pentagon
Biden’s Plans to Visit Israel
It is time to revive the spirit of Ben-Gurion’s famous dictum from the days of WWII regarding the stance toward the British: “We will fight the war as if there were no White Paper, and we will fight the White Paper as if there were no war.” This makes sense concerning Israel’s dilemma towards the US in the context of the renewal of the JCPOA.
US obsession with Palestinians and appeasement of Iran dampened Negev Summit
Despite former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim to a 40-year friendship with President Joe Biden, the latter preferred the new government headed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Israel-US Ties Under Biden Not as Good as Under Trump, But Better Than During Obama, Expert Says
Israeli expert sees US role in East Mediterranean waning
Watch the recording of the Zoom conference by the JISS, that took place January 20, 2022
Obsessed with Israeli settlements, Americans and Europeans turn blind eye to Palestinian violence
US-Israel gaps on Iran remain very large, Israeli observers warn
Trump & Bibi
Israel, the US and the Iranian nuclear project: Back to basics
Briefing by Colonel (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman - October 17, 2021
With the help of American Jewry, a sturdy foundation of support for Israel-US ties needs to be rebuilt based upon traditional bipartisan commitment. This will enable Israel to engage effectively with the Biden Administration and Congress on the Iranian challenge.
Even if Israel’s ability to influence US decision-making is limited, it is a serious mistake to downplay Israel's opposition to the dangerous nuclear accord.
On the Bennett-Biden relationshipInterview with Prof. Efraim Inbar
Bennett’s mission is to emphasize the American interest in the region and present Israel’s capacity to help in attaining it.
A guide to the Biden Administration’s first moves and initial set of senior officials. It is no wonder that popular disenchantment with US elites sometimes bubbles to the surface in unexpected ways.
If current Mideast violence a test, some experts say Biden is failingProf. Efraim Inbar: How long will it take the progressives to affect the Biden administration?
A briefing by Prof. Efraim Inbar for the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET, 28.04.2021).
In DC, Israel’s top spy and security wonk face a mission impossible on IranDr. Eran Lerman: They can move the needle a bit, but their trip is unlikely to prevent the Biden administration from barreling towards a deal with Tehran.
By ignoring Israel’s views on an issue critical to its security, Washington will cast a dark shadow over Israel’s status as a key American ally in the Middle East.
On Biden Administration Middle East PolicyInterview with Dr. Eran Lerman
Israel-Iran Maritime War Heats Up with Alleged Israeli Attack on IRGC ShipOmer Dostri of JISS: I see a message to the US here, that Israel will not allow Iranian operations to continue.
Washington will bury any chance for peace if it reverts to the “Everybody Knows Paradigm” which demands Israeli withdrawal to the 1949 armistice lines
Israel-US dialogue is necessary about Iran’s nuclear program, since a good agreement with Iran is a clear Israeli interest. But Israel must be prepared with a military option against Iran, as a last resort.
Jerusalem views with trepidation the possibility that the Biden administration will embark on a human rights crusade in the Middle East.
On Biden Administration policies that will impact IsraelInterview with Dr. Eran Lerman
The next Israeli government would be well-advised to come-up with its own proposals for improving the life of Palestinians, both to further improve its own regional standing and to meet (some of the) administration’s expectations, in dialogue and partnership.
Israel should (silently) support a more flexible US policy towards the Syrian regime and the Russian presence in Syria, including the easing of sanctions on Syria, in order to decrease Assad’s dependence on Iranian support and to heighten the conflicts of interest between Moscow and Tehran.
With US cold shoulder, should Israel now pivot towards France?Col. Olivier Rafowicz: France’s political interests currently dovetail with Israel’s on multiple issues. Col. Eran Lerman: Israel needs to be more closely coordinated with Paris.
What signals is Biden sending about his Middle East policy?Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman: Early signals have been “a mixed bag,” with some of the actions and statements very worrisome and others more positive.
Establishing coherent US policy regarding brewing conflict in the eastern Mediterranean should be a Biden administration priority. By restraining Erdogan's ambitions, the US can add to stability and rebuild bridges with key European players and traditional US allies. The governments of Israel and Greece, in consultation with Egypt, should work together to advance this perspective in Washington.
On Israel’s Decision to Purchase New Jets and Helicopters from the USProf. Efraim Inbar: This weapons procurement is long overdue.
Biden's Policies Toward Israel Starkly Different From Trump's, Experts SayProf. Efraim Inbar: Biden is a close friend of Israel. His presence in the White House is an opportunity to rehabilitate relations with the Democratic Party.
It is possible to restore American bipartisan backing for Israel. Therefore, it is important to avoid being too identified with President Trump, despite Israeli gratitude due to him for many of his policies. Bonds between Israel and American Jewry should be bolstered; bridges should be built to both sides of the aisle in Congress; and US defense establishment support should be solicited. All this, in view of Israel's need to influence decisions in Washington on matters vital to its future.
Experts predict what Israel can expect from new administrationA conference held by JISS and B’nai B’rith International looked at the likely foreign policy priorities of the Biden administration, ranging from COVID-19 to climate change and Iran.
Watch the recording of the conference that took place December 21, 2020
Putin’s strategy in Israel, Iran and SyriaMs. Micky Aharonson explains how Israel maneuvers between Washington and Moscow, and what she expects from the Biden administration regarding Russia policy. (Al Monitor podcast, 09.12.2020)
Can Biden move Qatar away from Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood?Prof. Efraim Inbar: Qatar spends enormous amounts of money in systematic support for the nefarious activities of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and its branches all over the world.
Biden’s foreign-policy appointments and what they might mean for IsraelProf. Efraim Inbar: Tony Blinken is “on record” demanding an extension of the sunset clauses in the JCPOA
Israel should seek to persuade the Biden transition team not to offer Iran any premature concessions; it should outline what would constitute an acceptable, "stronger and longer" deal; find other international actors to support the policy suggested by Israel (possibly France and even Russia); and prepare a viable military option, both to strengthen America’s negotiating hand and as an option in the case of failure to reverse Iran's present course.
To acquire greater freedom of action in dealing with Iran's quest for nuclear weapons, Israel needs to minimize tensions with the US on the Palestinian front.
Video lecture by Prof. Efraim Inbar for the Middle East Institute in New Delhi, India. (Oct. 28, 2020)
As the largest arms supplier to the Middle East, America plays a critical role in ensuring that its sales uphold and do not adversely affect Israel’s security.
From his rejection of Obama-era political correctness to his family make-up, Trump has charmed Israelis.
Both Biden’s and Trump’s Iran policies raise concerns in IsraelGeneral Amidror: Israel’s redline is that Iran must not get close to a nuclear bomb. Iran can have no legitimacy for enrichment or long-term nuclear development.
How fear of a US retreat from the Mideast is driving Netanyahu toward annexationDr. Eran Lerman of JISS: “American hegemony is crumbling before our eyes.”
US recognition of the eternal city as Israel’s capital and the Trump peace plan pave the way forward.
Prof. Efraim Inbar: The US and Israel are “on the same page” when it comes to the Iranian military presence on Syrian territory.
Major upheavals due to coronavirus pose challenges for US-Israel relationship Dr. Eran Lerman of JISS: The next Israeli government will need to heal some of the wounds to the best of their ability while sustaining bipartisanship.
The Jewish state’s relationship with the U.S. is stronger for resting on an informal basis; replacing it with a formal alliance would do no good and only anger the world’s other major power.
Overlooked in the controversy regarding Trump, Omar and Tlaib, and Israel: The imperative of maintaining Israel’s sovereign decision-making.
The need to assign American soldiers to fight with Israel might undermine Israel's popularity in the US and constrain its freedom of action.
Israelis Debate Future of U.S. Military Aid. Dr. Eran Lerman: it won’t be easy renegotiate the US-Israel MOU.
Netanyahu on New U.S. Secretary of State Pick: ‘We Will Work Very Well Together’ E. Navon and E. Lerman: Pompeo’s appointment will likely be positive for Israel The Media Line, 15.03.2018
By leveraging its remarkable achievements in the fields most relevant to future conflicts, Israel can transition from dependence on the U.S. to partnership.
Harper and Pence have offered moral and spiritual leadership for the world. Their momentous Knesset speeches were epoch-making events.
U.S. Embassy Relocation Possible within a Year, Experts Say. Dr. Emmanuel Navon: If Trump and Pence want to get things going they have to be very hands-on about it. The Media Line, 21.1.2018
After recognizing Jerusalem, America’s next move should be banishing the EU from regional diplomacy.
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