Since its declaration of independence in 1948, Israel and the United States have cultivated a strong and enduring alliance, spanning over 75 years. This partnership has been grounded in shared values of democracy, a commitment to global economic stability, and America’s unwavering dedication to ensuring Israel’s security. On September 20, President Joe Biden convened with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York to engage in extensive discussions concerning a broad array of geopolitical matters, encompassing both regional and bilateral concerns. The bedrock of the alliance between the United States and Israel predominantly revolves around America’s steadfast pledge to safeguarding Israel’s security, a commitment expressed through avenues such as military financing agreements (MOU) and missile defense funding. Notably, the choice of venue for this meeting, held in person on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York rather than the traditional setting of the White House in Washington, underscores the complex and at times uneasy nature of the relationship between the United States and Israel.
President Biden initiated the meeting by extending New Year wishes to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli people, particularly in light of Yom Kippur observed on August 25th. He underscored the enduring connection between the two nations, built upon shared values. President Biden emphasized that the commitment to upholding these values and prioritizing Israeli security remains “iron-clad.” Minister Netanyahu echoed the importance of preserving the foundational values of both nations’ democracies in his remarks. Subsequently, the discussion delved into the critical role of military and missile support from the United States, with a shared commitment to preventing Palestine and Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Additionally, the leaders addressed the ongoing violence in the West Bank, a landlocked Palestinian territory, and explored strategies for diffusing tension in the region, including the possibility of an alliance between Israel and Palestine. The United States and Israel have a history of engaging in various defense exchanges encompassing weapons development, external research, and military enhancements. These collaborations often involve entities like the Counterterrorism Group (CTG) and other strategic groups, facilitating discussions aimed at mitigating potential regional threats.
President Biden concluded the meeting by extending an invitation to Minister Netanyahu to visit the White House in Washington, D.C., before the year’s end. This invitation is intended to facilitate further discussions on these issues within a more private setting.
The relationship between the United States and Israel is a multifaceted and intricate phenomenon, carrying significant implications and consequences for both nations and the broader Middle East region. It is a subject heavily entwined with domestic U.S. politics, representing an enduring bipartisan concern that garners support from various officials and interest groups within the political spectrum, each advocating for distinct policies and guidelines in the context of this alliance. Moreover, regional dynamics play a pivotal role, particularly in terms of fostering mistrust among other Middle Eastern countries, especially those with a history of strained relations with the United States, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, contributes to the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.
Additionally, the U.S.’s alignment with Israel is perceived as a source of bias by Palestinians and their allies, further fueling tensions within the region. In essence, while the partnership between these two nations has consistently championed innovation and prioritized regional security, the inherent implications associated with it give rise to significant concerns.
