Reevaluating US-Israel Relations: Assessing Costs and Priorities

The United States’ longstanding alliance with Israel has been a subject of public scrutiny and debate. As one of the closest allies of Israel, the US provides significant financial, military, and diplomatic support to the country, which is unlimited and blind support. However, there has been growing awareness among Americans regarding the cost associated with supporting Israel. The United States has demonstrated tangible support to Israel by standing as a reliable partner in times of conflict and security challenges.

The U.S. has provided military equipment, weapons systems, and technologies that strengthen Israel’s defense capabilities. Additionally, the U.S. has supported Israel in self-defense measures and has facilitated diplomatic efforts to ensure Israel’s security. Beyond the tangible aspects, the United States offers intangible support to Israel in terms of diplomatic backing, public affirmations of friendship, and cultural ties. American leaders frequently express their support for Israel, affirming the strong bond between the two nations. Furthermore, the American public, including various interest groups and communities, demonstrates solidarity and support for Israel.

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Public Opinion and Resentment:

Public opinion regarding the cost of supporting Israel in the United States is multifaceted. While some Americans support the alliance based on shared values, historical ties, and strategic considerations, there is also a significant segment of the population that questions the extent of the financial burden placed on the US. This sentiment is often fueled by concerns about the allocation of taxpayer dollars and the impact on domestic priorities such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

As America is much behind China in Infrastructure, Health Care, social welfare, etc. Providing substantial financial aid to Israel comes at a cost to the U.S. taxpayers. As the largest provider of aid to Israel, the U.S. allocates billions of dollars annually, which could be used for domestic priorities such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, or social welfare programs. The financial burden can strain the U.S. budget and divert resources that could be utilized for other pressing needs within the country.

General Sentiments:

American awareness of the cost of supporting Israel has increased in recent years, partly due to the growth of social media platforms and alternative news sources. In the past, Media was controlled by the Jewish Lobby and information was under control and only one-sided version was accessible by the general public. The availability of information has allowed individuals to form diverse opinions and engage in discussions about the implications of the alliance.

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The majority of Americans argue that the substantial aid provided to Israel should be reevaluated in light of domestic needs, while few emphasize the strategic value and shared interests that underpin the relationship. US-sponsored resolution on the shifting of Israeli Capital from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was big embarrassment for America, only six countries voted in favor, whereas some of its close allies has either abstained or opposed the resolution.

Opposition:

Opposition to US support for Israel comes from various quarters. Some critics argue that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved, and the US should play a more impartial role in pursuing peace and advocating for Palestinian rights. Others question whether the US should prioritize its interests in the region differently or reduce its financial commitments to Israel. Unconditional support to Israel can fuel tensions and contribute to regional instability, particularly in the Middle East. This unwavering backing may be perceived by other nations as biased and may strain diplomatic relations with countries that have differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It can make it challenging for the U.S. to play a mediator role and foster peace negotiations, thereby hindering broader regional stability. Unquestioning support for Israel has garnered criticism from various segments of the international community. This unwavering stance may be perceived as an infringement on the principles of fairness, justice, and international law, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Such criticism can impact the reputation of the United States and undermine its credibility as a neutral mediator and promoter of global peace and stability.

Imagine, President Trump withdrew from Iran’s Nuclear deal, just on the advice of the Israeli Prime Minister.  Although the deal was reached along with its European partners after a long negotiations.

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The US has lost its influence in the oil rich Arab world, and anti-American sentiments increased in the Muslim World, just because of the Pro-Israeli policies of it.

Media’s Role and “Foreign Affairs” Article

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and facilitating discourse on the cost of supporting Israel. Various media outlets present differing perspectives, allowing individuals to access a range of opinions and arguments. Recently, an article published in “Foreign Affairs” titled “Rethinking US-Israel Relations: Balancing Interests and Costs” examined the evolving dynamics of the US-Israel alliance. The article analyzed the economic, military, and diplomatic aspects of the relationship and explored the potential benefits and drawbacks for the United States.

The “Foreign Affairs” article sparked significant debate, providing a platform for experts and scholars to share their insights on the subject. It discussed how the alliance with Israel affects US interests, the region’s stability, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By shedding light on the cost-benefit analysis of the alliance, the article contributed to the ongoing discourse surrounding American awareness of the financial, military, and diplomatic implications of supporting Israel.

Unlimited support to Israel may influence and constrain U.S. foreign policy decisions in the region. It can limit the flexibility to engage with other countries and pursue policies that may differ from Israeli interests. The need to maintain a close relationship with Israel may lead to compromises in policy formulation and restrict the ability to pursue a more nuanced approach to regional challenges. The issue of unlimited support to Israel can be divisive within the United States itself. Different segments of society hold varying perspectives on U.S. engagement with Israel, leading to debates and divisions. This can impact domestic unity and divert attention from other pressing domestic issues.

Overemphasis on the relationship with Israel can sometimes detract from broader diplomatic engagement and partnerships in the region. While Israel is an important ally, the United States must balance its commitment to Israel with the need to engage with other nations in the Middle East. Overreliance on one partner can limit opportunities for building relationships and addressing regional challenges holistically.

It is time for American to re-evaluate the US-Israel relations based on rational and logical grounds. Unlimited, beyond means, and irrational era of US-Israel relations might reach to an end. The US is facing issues of its own survival and ignoring its own interest, devoting to Israel may not be feasible in future.

 

Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).