Language:
English
Year of publication:
2023
Titel der Quelle:
American Jewish Year Book
Angaben zur Quelle:
122 (2023) 133-168
Keywords:
Trump, Donald, Influence
;
Biden, Joseph R.,
;
Abraham Accords
;
Jews Attitudes toward Israel 21st century
;
United States Foreign relations
;
United States Foreign relations
Abstract:
As a candidate, Joe Biden was critical of Israel’s settlement policy and adamant in his support of a two-state solution. As president, he did not criticize Israeli policies and recognized the political environment was not conducive to launching a peace initiative. His actions were partly constrained by the fear that they might cause Israel’s precarious government to fall and open the door to the return of Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden’s attention was focused on domestic issues and the war in Ukraine, but his administration did provide Israel with record amounts of aid, and he had cordial visits in Washington and Israel with Israel’s prime ministers. Tensions were created by disagreement over Biden’s desire to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal. Israel implored Biden to take a tougher stance and demonstrate a willingness to use military force. The president stayed committed to diplomacy though expressed willingness to use other options if talks failed. Iran’s obstinance made it doubtful talks would succeed. Israel’s detractors, particularly on college campuses, continued to advocate boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel but they had no success and provoked a backlash. The American public remained sympathetic to Israel, but a partisan gap remains between conservatives/Republicans who overwhelmingly support Israel and liberals/Democrats who have grown increasingly supportive of the Palestinians. As midterm elections approached, greater attention was focused on whether the Democrats would keep their majorities in Congress. AIPAC’s decision to engage in fundraising dramatically changed the equation in races involving candidates considered hostile to Israel. AIPAC’s two PACs had large war chests, dwarfing the resources of its rival J Street, which it used to help defeat several candidates. Despite the polls, most Democratic candidates remained pro-Israel and whatever the outcome of the November election, Israel could count on wall-to-wall support from Congress.
DOI:
10.1007/978-3-031-33406-1_4
URL:
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