Former US Envoy: Israel Needs New Leadership to Improve Ties

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro stated that Israel must present new leadership to prevent a decline in its standing in the United States. He described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "toxic" to Democrats and noted that Netanyahu is associated with the war against Iran among Republicans, which he believes contributed to their election losses. Shapiro, who served under the Obama administration and as deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East under President Biden, commented on the recent U.S. midterm election results, where Democrats secured victories in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This Democratic control of Congress, he explained, will significantly limit the President's actions in the remaining two years of his term.

Regarding U.S. military aid to Israel, Shapiro indicated that Israel should anticipate its cessation, whether immediate or within a few years. He suggested Israel would adapt by using its own funds for its needs, and American companies selling arms to Israel would need to adjust. Any future arms sales would be subject to U.S. law and contingent on Israeli leadership and policy, with a goal of preventing civilian casualties. Shapiro asserted that the primary step to improving U.S.-Israel relations is a new Israeli government with fresh faces representing the country. He also outlined additional necessary steps, including policy changes in Judea and Samaria, combating settler violence, and halting settlement expansion, alongside advancing the Trump plan for Gaza.

Shapiro acknowledged that many in the Democratic Party still view Israel's security as a U.S. interest and believe in Israel's self-defense capabilities, recognizing shared enemies. However, he stressed that cooperation would need to occur differently, without aid and with conditions on arms sales to ensure U.S. interests and values are upheld. He also noted a consensus within the Democratic Party to exert pressure and utilize U.S. leverage to change approaches to violence and Jewish terrorism in Judea and Samaria, questioning how these tools should be employed.

Addressing concerns about radical candidates in Congress, Shapiro stated that those opposing Israel's existence are a minority, and their influence depends on Israel's choices. He believes that correct elections can open dialogue with those who wish to maintain relations with Israel. While acknowledging that figures like Abdul El-Sayed hold negative stances, he argued their influence is limited and can be mitigated by changes in Israeli leadership and policy. Shapiro concluded that while radical voices will have an impact, they will not solely dictate policy due to the significant Democratic majority, presenting an opportunity for Israel to shape the reality rather than just react to it.