Right-Wing Israeli Government, Not Left-Wing Democrats, Threatens US-Israel Relations

Shlomo Shamir argues that the real threat to Israel-US relations is not the far-left within the Democratic Party but the composition of Israel's current government. Despite media exaggerations about the impact of candidates like Abdul El-Sayed, who is known for anti-Israel statements, Shamir contends such figures will have minimal influence on Democratic Party policy toward Israel. The deeper concern is the declining support for Israel among both Democrats and Republicans, evidenced by 103 Democrats voting for an amendment to cut aid to Israel and recent polls showing waning bipartisan backing.

Interviews with Washington analysts and UN diplomats suggest that this erosion of support stems primarily from Israel's government policies, particularly its fully right-wing makeup. Shamir dismisses labeling the criticism as antisemitism in the traditional sense, instead framing it as anti-Israel sentiment. He emphasizes that public diplomacy alone will not reverse the trend. Instead, restoring Israel's standing and US support requires a change in Israel's leadership to a government that better represents the country's positive image.

The article highlights the importance of Israel's internal political choices in shaping its international relations, especially with the United States, and warns against oversimplifying the causes of diplomatic challenges by blaming extremist factions within American politics.