Allies?

The new year starts with possibilities and problems. One of the latter is Israeli leadership by conservative and damaged Netanyahu. He has been at the helm of Israel’s government before. And for many years. He has also been defeated a few times. Yet he finds staying power and returns to yet another regime opportunity.

I don’t much care for Netanyahu. That’s because he is a hard task master for his point of view and the politics of survival for his nation. Yes, Israel is not loved by other nations in her region. But Israel has a confusing foreign policy that often makes enemies. Netanyahu has been in the center of these policy swings.

America has long been a supporter of Israel – both its right to exist, and its success as a nation of value and promise. Alone in the middle east, Israel is an accomplished state. It has military competency that is worthy of a much larger nation. Its educational system is tops and produces enormous research benefits as well as cutting edge professionals in most fields. A vibrant economy is also a point of pride for the nation. Quality of life is another reason to be proud to be an Israeli.

The downside, however, comes when Israel dictates what it wants and needs as a condition of working with foreign powers. America has subsidized Israel consistently for many decades. Military and financial assistance are key ingredients of the American/Israel partnership. That partnership has frayed noticeably over the past 20+ years as Israeli voices become more strident on what American should and ought to do for Israel.

Nonsense, a world at peace requires compromises among all nations. No nation gets what it wants all the time. Most don’t get what they want any of the time. Why is Israel so insistent its wants ought to be satisfied automatically?

It is time that American foreign policy deal with Netanyahu and his team more realistically. They are partners, not dictators. They should act accordingly. That would be a very good start to the new year. Else Netanyahu can do it all without America's help.

January 2, 2023

 

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