While the United States swiftly recognized Israel just 11 minutes after its establishment on May 14, 1948, the development of relations between these two nations had a gradual start.
The dynamics began to shift as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the anti-Shah and anti-Western Islamic Revolution in Iran elevated Israel's strategic importance in the eyes of the United States, ultimately leading to the establishment of a "strategic relationship." Notably, during Ronald Reagan's second presidency from 1985 to 1989, the United States designated Israel as its most significant ally outside of NATO.
The influential Israel Lobby in the United States has the ability to place like-minded think tanks in key positions, exert pressure on the academic community, and stifle legitimate criticism of Israeli policies by weaponizing accusations of "anti-Semitism."
If the unwavering support for Israel by the United States cannot be justified strategically or morally, one must look to the formidable influence of the Israel lobby for an explanation. According to Stephen M. Walt and John Mearsheimer, the answer lies in the lobby's extraordinary power within the United States. Without this power, the United States' relationship with Israel would not be as close as it is today.
Members of the Israel lobby diligently work to advance Israeli interests and shape U.S. foreign policy, ranging from supporting pro-Israel candidates in elections to writing letters, providing financial assistance, and backing pro-Israel organizations. Notably, they apply significant pressure within decision-making processes to stifle any critique of Israel's actions.
The lobby employs two primary strategies to secure U.S. support for Israel. Firstly, it exerts influence on both the legislative and executive branches, aiming to portray U.S. support for Israel as a "smart" policy. Secondly, it maintains a consistently positive narrative about Israel in public discourse, discouraging criticism and even impartial discussions. By controlling the narrative, they ensure ongoing U.S. support for Israel. Failure to control the debate may lead to a shift in American policy towards U.S.-Israel relations.
As of today, the Israel lobby in the USA wields substantial influence over the legislature, exerts pressure on the executive branch, and effectively utilizes the media due to its organized structure and abundant resources. It can position like-minded think tanks in influential positions, place pressure on the academic community, and suppress justified criticism of Israeli policies by deploying the accusation of "anti-Semitism" as a shield.
In addition to the Israel lobby, another influential group that shields U.S. support for Israel from criticism is the Christian Zionists. These individuals, with considerable sway in the U.S. political system, view Israel's resurgence as fulfilling a biblical prophecy and staunchly support its expansionist policies.
According to this group, exerting pressure on Israel goes against God's will. The extensive influence of lobby supporters gives the impression that the American political landscape is heavily influenced by their agenda.
This influence becomes evident when examining U.S. policy towards the Israel-Palestine conflict and the broader Middle East. Israel appears to enjoy immunity from U.S. administrations on nearly every issue. For a substantial period, the United States has been perceived as conducting its Middle East policy through "think tank diplomacy" or "lobby diplomacy."
► Despite constituting only 2 percent of the U.S. population, Jews account for 50 percent of the country's dollar billionaires.
► Approximately 94 percent of Jewish individuals reside in states that hold significant electoral importance.
► Jewish advocacy groups contribute billions of dollars in donations during election cycles.
► The United States is home to 51 pro-Israel lobbying organizations, both large and small. Among them, AIPAC stands out as one of the three most influential lobbying entities in America, working tirelessly in support of Israel. Additionally, organizations such as ADL, American Jewish Congress, Israel Policy Forum, and the American Jewish Committee maintain year-round oversight of members of Congress and senators.
► AIPAC wields such considerable influence that its former director, Steve Rosen, once stated that it would be political suicide for a U.S. politician aspiring to be elected to employ anti-Israel rhetoric. He famously quipped, "I could return this handkerchief with the signatures of 70 U.S. representatives within 24 hours."
► An important tradition for American presidential candidates is to visit Israel, stand at the Western Wall, and pose for the press. For instance, prior to announcing his candidacy, George W. Bush, while serving as the Governor of Texas, visited Israel and took a photograph. Similarly, Barack Obama, the former president, ventured to Israel during his campaign for the Democratic Party nomination. He donned a kippah, visited the Western Wall, and posed for global media coverage.
► In 2006, Stephen Walt, the dean of Harvard Kennedy School of Government, a prestigious institution, and John Mearsheimer from the University of Chicago, published an 83-page report that shed light on the influence of the Israel lobby in the United States. Their findings suggested that Israel had substantial influence across various aspects of American policy, leading to significant controversy. Harvard distanced itself from the report by removing its logo, and Walt faced termination. The matter even reached Congress, where American Senators expressed strong criticism of the article.
Here are some key findings from the report that generated considerable debate in the USA:
♦ Following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, the United States increased aid to Israel beyond any other country, providing an annual $3 billion. This effectively amounts to $500 for every Israeli citizen.
♦ AIPAC, the second most powerful lobbying group in the USA, has been likened to a "de-facto Israeli spy agency."
♦ In major media outlets, there are 61 pro-Israel writers compared to only 5 who are critical of Israel. When news critical of Israel airs on CNN, it often prompts thousands of protest emails.
♦ Jewish individuals occupy CEO positions at three major television networks, and four major film companies are owned by Jewish capital. Additionally, the largest publishing group in the United States, particularly The New York Times, has Jewish ownership.
♦ Jews account for 20 percent of professors at leading U.S. universities, 40 percent of employees in major law firms, 59 percent of writers and directors, and 50 percent of the top 200 intellectuals in the country.
♦ Despite a majority of 73 percent of the U.S. public expressing a desire for neutrality, administrations often align their policies with Israeli interests.
The United States maintains a close relationship with Israel for several reasons:
Many Americans feel a cultural and religious affinity with Israel due to the Judeo-Christian tradition. Surveys have shown that Americans often feel closer to Jews than to other religious groups. This cultural connection can influence public opinion and political support for Israel.
The U.S. views Israel as a strategic ally in the Middle East. Israel has a strong military and intelligence capabilities, and the U.S. sees its relationship with Israel as a way to advance its interests in the region. Israel's military strength is seen as a valuable asset in maintaining stability in the Middle East.
Various lobbying organizations, such as AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), have a significant influence on U.S. politics. These organizations work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and advocate for policies that align with Israel's interests. They provide campaign contributions to politicians who support their cause and have a presence in Congress and the Senate.
Media outlets in the U.S., including major news networks and newspapers, often reflect pro-Israel perspectives. This can shape public opinion and influence policymakers. Critics argue that the media's one-sided coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can create a biased view of the situation.
The U.S. has invested heavily in Israel's military capabilities, viewing it as an investment in its own security interests in the Middle East. Israel is considered one of the largest military and intelligence bases for the U.S. in the region.
Overall, the combination of cultural affinity, strategic interests, lobbying efforts, and media influence has led to a strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Israel. This relationship often results in U.S. support for Israel, even in the face of criticism and controversy surrounding Israeli policies and actions in the Middle East.
