Brief Summary
This video talks about the 75-year-long strategic alliance between the United States and Israel. It explains how the US's initial hesitation transformed into unwavering support due to Cold War politics, Israel's military prowess, and the need for a stable ally in West Asia. The video also discusses key events like the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day War, the Camp David Accords, and the impact of the Iran revolution. It concludes by highlighting America's continued investment in Israel's mainstreaming within the Arab world, even amidst ongoing conflicts.
- US and Israel relationship started with initial hesitation and anti-semitism.
- Cold War politics and strategic interests made US and Israel allies.
- US supported Israel in wars and peace deals.
Truman's Decision to Support Israel
In 1948, US President Harry Truman, despite his personal anti-Semitic views, decided to support the newly declared state of Israel. This decision came after a meeting with Chaim Weizmann, a Zionist leader, facilitated by Truman's friend Eddie Jacobson. Truman's recognition of Israel just 11 minutes after its declaration made US the first country to recognise it. While some attribute this to Jacobson's influence, the video suggests strategic calculations played a bigger role in the long run.
The Cold War and the Search for Allies
During the Cold War, the US sought allies in West Asia to counter Soviet influence. Initially, Saudi Arabia and Iran were the primary choices, with the CIA even orchestrating a coup in Iran in 1953 to install a pro-Western Shah. Israel was not initially a key focus for the US and sometimes even found itself on the opposite side, such as during the 1956 Suez Crisis when Israel, Britain, and France plotted to invade Egypt, a move the US opposed.
The Six-Day War and a Shift in Fortunes
The 1967 Six-Day War marked a turning point. Israel's decisive victory against Arab armies impressed the US, especially given America's struggles in Vietnam. The US saw Israel as a strong, stable, and democratic ally capable of projecting American interests in West Asia, leading to a significant shift in the relationship.
The Win-Win Relationship
After 1967, the US-Israel relationship became a win-win situation. The US provided arms and support to Israel, while Israel protected American interests in the region. The 1979 Iranian Revolution, which ousted the pro-Western Shah and brought Ayatollah to power, further solidified the need for a strong ally like Israel.
Camp David Accords and Peace Efforts
To address the regional tensions, the US, under Henry Kissinger and later Jimmy Carter, worked to broker peace between Israel and its neighbors. The 1978 Camp David Accords, hosted by President Carter, led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, the first Arab country to recognize Israel. However, other Arab nations were not pleased and isolated Egypt.
Military Cooperation and the Lebanon Invasion
Under President Ronald Reagan, the US-Israel relationship deepened militarily. In 1981, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed, with the US providing billions in aid to Israel. The 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon caused friction, with some US officials criticizing the action. However, after the 1983 Beirut bombing that killed US Marines, Reagan chose to let Israel do the "dirty work," leading to broader military cooperation, joint drills, and weapons development.
The Oslo Accords and the Hope for Peace
The 1990s saw renewed efforts for peace. The first Intifada and the end of the Cold War allowed the US to put more pressure on Israel. The Oslo Accords in 1993, formalized at a White House ceremony hosted by President Bill Clinton, aimed for a two-state solution. Jordan recognized Israel in 1994, but the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by an extremist set back the peace process.
The 21st Century and Continued Support
In the 21st century, the US and Israel grew closer due to events like 9/11 and Iran's nuclear ambitions. Despite occasional disagreements, such as those between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the US continued to protect Israel, using its veto power at the UN Security Council. President Donald Trump further strengthened the relationship by recognizing Israel's control over the Golan Heights and moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem.
The Endgame: Mainstreaming Israel
The US aims to mainstream Israel in the Arab world, seeking returns on its massive investment. This involves promoting normalization deals, the West Asia quad, and initiatives like the Europe-India Railway Corridor. Despite the risks and challenges, the US remains committed to this goal, even during conflicts like the Gaza War, hoping for a peaceful and integrated Israel in the region.
