US Israel Relations

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 relationship
Interview 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 failing
Prof. 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 Iran
Dr. 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 Policy
Interview with Dr. Eran Lerman

Israel-Iran Maritime War Heats Up with Alleged Israeli Attack on IRGC Ship
Omer 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 Israel
Interview 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 US
Prof. Efraim Inbar: This weapons procurement is long overdue.

Biden's Policies Toward Israel Starkly Different From Trump's, Experts Say
Prof. 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 administration
A 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 Syria
Ms. 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 Israel
Prof. 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 Israel
General 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 annexation
Dr. 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.

Pence, longtime friend of Israel, to receive warm welcome in Jewish State. D. Weinberg of JISS: “Pence’s will echo Trump’s message of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, while keeping the door open to a diplomatic settlement down the road.” World Israel News, 21.01.2018

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

Israel eagerly awaits Pence visit, Palestinians prepare boycott. Comment by David M. Weinberg

After recognizing Jerusalem, America’s next move should be banishing the EU from regional diplomacy.