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The alliance between Israel and the United States has always been one of the cornerstones of Israeli foreign policy. Since the end of World War II, the United States has been Israel's main supporter, military, diplomatic and economic. However, arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Galant have intensified tensions within this strategic relationship. While the UNITED STATES continue to support Israel in its right to defend itself against terrorism, this position is increasingly questioned by certain political factions within the US Congress.
THE progressivesin particular, are increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with the Israeli approach to Gaza. Criticism of civilian casualties and accusations of war crimes leveled by the ICC have created a divide within the Democratic Party. Yedioth Ahronoth reports that figures like Bernie Sanders et Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezhave been among the most vocal in calling for a reassessment of American support for Israel, believing that the United States should condition its military aid on reforms in Israeli policy toward the Palestinians.
New political dynamics in the United States
The ICC warrants against Israeli leaders come at a time when U.S. domestic politics is increasingly influenced by progressive forces. The Democratic Party, which has historically been a longtime ally of Israel, now finds itself torn between its traditional support for the Jewish state and growing pressure from its progressive members demanding changes in U.S. policy toward regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Yedioth Modiin notes that the Palestinian question is increasingly a subject of debate within the US Congressand the ICC mandates have exacerbated this debate. Internal tensions in the Democratic Party have intensified with the arrival of new progressive members of Congress, who support the idea that the United States should take a more equitable position in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and call on Israel to comply with the law international.
Criticisms of the Israeli approach to Gaza and the human rights situation are receiving particular attention, not only in progressive ranks, but also within the civil society American. These new political dynamics in the United States represent a major challenge for Israel, which finds itself having to navigate between growing opposition to its policies in Gaza and the need to maintain support in Washington.
Israel faces conditional support
The Biden administration's support for Israel remains strong, but that support is increasingly conditioned by growing pressure from American progressives. The president Joe Bidenwhile reaffirming the United States' commitment to supporting Israel's security, expressed concerns about the violence in Gaza and the impact on Palestinian civilians. Yedioth Haifa reports that Biden, while reaffirming his right to defense, suggested that Israel could benefit from stronger pressure from the United States to minimize civilian casualties and seek a political solution to the conflict.
Biden also called on Israel to work more on reducing violence and to avoid escalating tensions. However, Israel maintains that its actions are legal and justified by the right to defend itself against terrorist attacks from Gaza, particularly from Hamas, which it considers a direct threat to its national security.
Israeli diplomacy: an active response
Faced with this evolution of American policy, Israel has implemented a proactive diplomatic strategy to defend its actions and maintain a strong relationship with its American allies. Gideon Sa'arIsraeli Foreign Minister, has made numerous declarations to reassure Washington of the importance of their alliance and to explain the reasons which justify Israeli actions in Gaza.
Israel has also stepped up efforts to engage with more moderate voices in Congress, including Republican figures, to gain continued support and maintain unity among U.S. allies in the fight against terrorism. in the Middle East. A key goal of this strategy is to reduce the impact of progressive criticism and strengthen the argument that support for Israel is vital for Middle East stability.
Implications for US foreign policy in the Middle East
Growing tensions over Israel are not limited to U.S. domestic politics. These tensions also affect United States foreign policy in the Middle East. American support for Israel is a key factor in Washington's foreign policy in the region, particularly with regard to Iran, Syria, and relations with other Arab countries. The question of Israel's legitimacy and growing criticism of its Gaza policy could complicate the United States' position vis-à-vis these countries.
The ICC's arrest warrants against Israel add a new dimension to this dynamic, as they fuel criticism from Israel's adversaries, notably Iran and Syria, who use the warrants to legitimize their anti-Israeli positions and denounce Israeli actions. As a result, Israeli diplomacy will have to adapt to respond to internal and external pressures.
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