With both countries' elections concluded, can Israel reset its US ties? - editorial
It won’t be a surprise if we discover, with Netanyahu potentially out of the picture, that he wasn’t really the problem but just a convenient scapegoat for widespread anti-Israel sentiment.
With the conclusion of both countries' recent elections, there is growing speculation about whether Israel can improve its relationship with the United States. President Isaac Herzog has tasked Yair Lapid's bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot, with forming a coalition to navigate the numerous challenges ahead.One of the most pressing issues is Israel's tarnished image abroad, particularly among the American public.
This deterioration is tied to the outcomes of the US midterm elections, where Democrats, including those with staunch anti-Israel stances, gained control of the House and Senate. US Vice President Kamala Harris even stated that support for Israel was one of four key factors in the Republicans' electoral victory, while former President Donald Trump announced the cessation of "$4 billion" in aid to Israel.Neol J. Eisenkot's movement, which seeks to distance itself from the previous administration led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is not the only one laying blame for strained ties.
Former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro recently criticized Netanyahu as "politically toxic" to Washington in an interview with Ynet. He argued that Democrats and Republicans alike have increasingly associated Netanyahu with the controversial Iran war. Eisenkot's coalition may not be the panacea for restoring Israel's standing within the US.
The relationship remains strained, as evidenced by recent exchanges between Yair Lapid and New York Congressman-elect Brad Lander. Lapid, who is perceived as a moderate voice, suggested that Israel should engage in a listening tour across the United States to mend ties. However, Lander dismissed Lapid's initiative, stating that American voters, both Jewish and non-Jewish, are not interested in a grand tour but rather seek respect for international law and human rights.
Lapid's assertion that the future of US-Israel relations depends on whether politicians can engage in constructive dialogue or continue pushing an anti-Israel agenda remains uncertain.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
