Israeli Analysts Warn of Shifting US Policy Towards Israel
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israeli analysts are warning of a significant and potentially long-term shift in US policy towards Israel, fueled by the Democratic Party's electoral success. Experts believe criticism of Israel is becoming mainstream, citing the rise of politicians like Abdul El-Sayed, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar. They argue Israel and American Jewish groups have underestimated this trend, which includes accusations of colonialism and apartheid. Analysts suggest Israel needs to bolster its public diplomacy and work with allies to counter these narratives.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli analysts warn of a significant, potentially long-term shift in US policy towards Israel.
- The rise of Democrats in Congress is seen as amplifying criticism of Israel within the US political mainstream.
- Experts cite politicians like Abdul El-Sayed, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar as evidence of this shift.
- Israeli leadership and Jewish organizations are accused of underestimating the spread of anti-Israel rhetoric.
- Analysts suggest Israel must increase public diplomacy spending and coordinate with allies.
- Former ambassadors advise Israel to actively counter anti-Israel movements and explain its positions more consistently.
Israeli analysts are observing a significant shift in American policy towards Israel, expressing concerns about potentially long-term consequences. The victory of Democrats in both houses of the US Congress has amplified fears in Israel regarding changes in the attitude of American politicians toward the Jewish state. Experts believe that criticism of Israel is moving from the fringes of the left wing to become part of the political mainstream.
Dan Diker, president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, stated that this is an evolving trend showing more signs of permanence than transience. He cited the rise of politicians sharply critical of Israel, including Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, who is set to become the first Muslim senator, and Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. Diker also included New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in this group, calling his election a "shocking development." Diker noted that criticism of Israel, once on the periphery of American politics, is now entering the center of political discourse and gaining representation in the Senate. He also asserted that American Jewish organizations and Israeli leadership have underestimated the spread of rhetoric concerning colonialism, imperialism, apartheid, and occupation, deeming these accusations false and a risk to Israel and Jewish communities.
Professor Eitan Gilboa of Bar-Ilan and Reichman Universities agrees that the trend is likely to continue, pointing to the voting patterns of American Jews. He noted that approximately 69% of American Jews supported Democrats, a figure close to their traditional voting habits. Gilboa observed a division within Michigan's Jewish community, with a poll indicating 57% of early Jewish voters supported El-Sayed. In New York, he estimated that 30% of Jewish voters supported Mamdani.
Martin Sherman, founder and head of the Israel Institute for Strategic Studies, stated that Israel can no longer assume current US sentiments will dissipate. He also questioned Washington's continued role as Israel's sole strategic anchor, proposing Israel significantly increase its public diplomacy spending to $2-3 billion annually to better present its position to American and European societies.
Former Israeli Ambassador to the US Danny Ayalon believes the situation is not yet lost. He urged Israel to coordinate efforts with Jewish and evangelical communities, as well as American business and defense sector supporters. Ayalon emphasized the need for Israel to counter anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist movements and more consistently explain its positions.
Former Israeli Ambassador to the UK Mark Regev recalled past periods of isolationist and nationalist sentiments in the US, including reluctance to accept Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany. However, he cautioned that it is too early to definitively say if the current trend will be long-term, while acknowledging that antisemitism remains a historically persistent phenomenon.
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