US-Israel: Mending the alliance

(Baonghean) - The alliance between the United States and Israel is deeply rooted in history and tradition. Throughout history, despite occasional disagreements, this relationship has been considered virtually unbreakable. However, at present, especially since the collapse of the Middle East peace process due to the conflict in the Gaza Strip in August, this close relationship has been somewhat strained. Therefore, the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Barack Obama is seen as an effort to prevent this relationship from derailing.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (left) and US President Barack Obama (Photo: White House)

The US-Israel alliance was established in 1948, but the closeness only began in 1967. It is believed that the American Jewish community wields considerable influence in American society across various fields such as the arts, media, finance, and, of course, politics. The US also needs a strong Jewish ally in the Middle East to protect stability in this strategically important region. Furthermore, the Israeli government relies on a powerful empire like the US for economic and defense development, particularly in territorial disputes, as well as to contain the military and nuclear power of countries that Tel Aviv considers enemies. In this complex and calculated relationship, there have been times when it seemed on the verge of collapse due to circumstances and individual goals. Sometimes Israel acts in ways detrimental to the US and is also influenced by unfavorable decisions from the US. However, almost all of these "minor" issues were overlooked by the governments of these two countries in order to build close solidarity, especially in strategic decisions. Remember, around early 2010, when the Tel Aviv government announced the construction of an additional 1,600 apartments in East Jerusalem. This area had already been identified by the international community as part of the occupied territories and the capital of a future Palestinian state. The international community was outraged and protested Israel's settlement construction there, while Israel insisted it had the right to build wherever it wanted in Jerusalem. Israel considered Jerusalem its "indivisible capital." At that time, many US officials disagreed with Israel's decision, even expressing deep disappointment with the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was considered a hawk. But for the benefit of both sides, they overcame that difficult and challenging time, even though their love was no longer as passionate as before.

However, amidst a complex and unpredictable global situation, Israel once again disappointed its ally, the United States, by disrupting the Middle East peace process through a military attack on the Gaza Strip. During the 50-day campaign, bombs and shelling claimed the lives of approximately 2,140 Palestinians, primarily children, the elderly, and innocent women, while over 11,000 others were injured. The United Nations and international human rights organizations have confirmed that 75% of those killed in the recent conflict in Gaza were civilians. Economically, rebuilding the completely devastated Gaza Strip will cost up to $7.5 billion and will take five years to restore the original state, but only on the condition that Israel completely lifts its blockade. This war has drawn strong international condemnation, including from the United States, because it has truly caused a humanitarian catastrophe.

While the conflict had just subsided and the international community was seeking ways to rebuild the Gaza Strip, Israel presented a plan to build 2,600 settlement homes in "sensitive areas" of East Jerusalem at a recent UN Security Council meeting. This caused "deep concern" for its close ally, the United States. White House spokesman Josh Earnest stated that the Jewish state would send a "troublesome message" if it continued to pursue these expanded settlement projects, contrary to its previously stated goal of achieving a lasting peace agreement with Palestine. Earnest emphasized that Israel's actions would only draw international criticism, further alienating it from its closest allies and "poisoning the atmosphere" in relations with Palestine and other Arab nations in the region. This demonstrates the now very high level of disagreement between the US and Israel. There is further inconsistency in the Iranian nuclear issue, while the US and the P5+1 group are exploring all possible solutions to reach a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program. Currently, there is no confirmation from the international community, including the US, that Iran is developing its nuclear program for military purposes. And despite the P5+1's efforts (including the US) to clarify the controversial nuclear program, Tel Aviv insists that Tehran is pursuing its nuclear program for weapons development and that it poses a constant threat to Israel's security.

Of course, for various strategic reasons, disagreements and tensions in diplomatic relations between Washington and Tel Aviv cannot continue, as this would be in no interest to either side. Therefore, the two leaders reaffirmed the "unbreakable" relationship between the two countries during their meeting on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly (October 1st). Warming up relations between the two military powers is also a way for them to better coordinate on issues of mutual concern, especially in the current volatile global context.

Canh Nam