As Israel commemorates its 75th anniversary, the diplomatic landscape is marred by considerable tension and controversy. This year, rather than welcoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the United States is set to receive Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The absence of the Prime Minister highlights the underlying strain in the U.S.-Israel relationship, characterized by the Biden administration’s strongly critical stance towards Netanyahu’s right-wing government.
President Joe Biden’s limited engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflects his desire to avoid the quagmire that has entangled previous administrations. However, his reluctance to invite Netanyahu to the White House sends a clear message about his concerns regarding Israel’s current direction. The Biden administration perceives Netanyahu’s government as one of the most right-wing and extremist in Israel’s history, with alarming implications for the country’s democratic values.
Netanyahu’s coalition, dominated by hard-right and ultraconservative ideologies, has rapidly expanded Israeli settlements in the West Bank, further diminishing the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. Additionally, his attempts to weaken the Supreme Court and curb its power have sparked significant public backlash within Israel. These policies, coupled with Netanyahu’s own legal challenges, have amplified concerns about the erosion of Israeli democracy.
Israel’s rightward shift not only impacts its domestic landscape but also affects its relationship with the United States. Within the Democratic Party, there is growing frustration with the Israeli government and increasing sympathy towards the Palestinian cause. This shift in attitudes leads to a warmer reception for President Herzog, who represents a more progressive and pro-peace stance compared to Netanyahu. However, the decision by some Democratic House members to boycott Herzog’s address indicates the complex dynamics at play.
Herzog’s visit to Washington, initially planned to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary, has inadvertently become a representation of shifting perceptions towards Israel within progressive circles. While critics argue that boycotting Herzog is an overgeneralization, they believe his presidency symbolizes the state of Israel as a whole. This politicization of Israeli visits signifies a worrying trend for Israel’s advocates, as it demonstrates an opposition to the country itself, rather than its policies.
Israel’s allies are concerned that the boycott of Herzog may indicate a broader decline in support for the nation. Changing attitudes among progressive Democrats, with a more empathetic view of Palestinians, reflect an evolving narrative on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Choosing to distance themselves from Israel threatens the traditionally bipartisan support Israel has enjoyed, raising questions about the sustainability of liberal Zionist ideals.
Netanyahu’s leadership has exacerbated Israel’s existential crisis, characterized by the absence of a viable two-state solution. Israel faces a moral and political dilemma as it seeks to maintain a Jewish state while ruling over millions of Palestinians in the West Bank. The diminishing prospects of a two-state outcome may force Israel to confront severe consequences, potentially compromising its democratic values and severing its relationship with key allies, including the United States.
As Israel celebrates its 75th anniversary, the absence of Prime Minister Netanyahu underscores the strains within the U.S.-Israel relationship. President Herzog’s visit to Washington acknowledges the shifting attitudes towards Israel, both among progressive Democrats and the wider international community. Israel’s future is at a critical juncture, with its democratic values, regional stability, and relationship with key allies hanging in the balance.
Market Capital Research 