Israel Urged to Build Bipartisan US Support Beyond Trump Era
Boaz Lieberman argues that Israel cannot base its relationship with the United States solely on the identity of the president or the ruling party. He stresses the need for a long-term strategy that maintains bipartisan support and deepens Israel's influence within American society. Lieberman warns that relying on political inertia is a mistake, as the strategic alliance with the US requires ongoing maintenance, investment, and a nuanced understanding of shifts in American politics and society.
He highlights changes within both major US parties: the Democratic Party is moving away from traditional pro-Israel stances, influenced by younger activists who view the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through lenses of power dynamics and colonialism. However, significant parts of the Democratic establishment still consider Israel a vital strategic ally. Meanwhile, the Republican Party has shifted from Ronald Reagan's internationalist right to a Trump-era focus on direct American interests. Lieberman identifies Marco Rubio as representing traditional conservative views seeing Israel as a key asset against Iran and other threats, while J.D. Vance embodies a new Republican generation prioritizing American middle-class interests.
Israel must engage both perspectives: emphasizing national security and intelligence cooperation with Rubio's camp, and framing Israel as a partner that saves American lives and resources to Vance's audience. Beyond politics, Lieberman stresses the urgent need to address Israel's declining influence in American public opinion, especially among Generation Z, who consume information via social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube rather than traditional news.
He calls for a shift from conventional Israeli public diplomacy to "influence diplomacy," building broad American coalitions including former soldiers, conservative influencers, evangelical leaders, tech professionals, and concerned parents. These authentic American voices can more effectively advocate for Israel. Lieberman also warns that the real battle for Israel-US relations is on American university campuses, where future journalists, judges, and politicians form their views. He concludes that Israel must adopt a strategy based on three principles: strengthening bipartisan support, building deep societal influence, and replacing traditional public diplomacy with modern influence efforts led by Americans. Israel should embrace all of America, not choose sides within its political divides, to secure its future in a rapidly changing world.
