The United States administration is careful to stress that it respects the democratic elections held in Israel and that it intends to relate to “the policies it pursues rather than individual personalities.” However, the impression is that there is growing concern in Washington over the possible implications of Israel’s expected policies for the bilateral relations. Even if the new government does not implement all the moves that members of the emerging coalition present as essential in the context of the Palestinian issue, the judicial system, and minority rights, conflict with the US administration is almost inevitable. This in turn is liable to narrow Israel’s ability to maintain an intimate dialogue with the US on vital issues in a reality replete with challenges, first and foremost Iran, and particularly in view of the US administration’s need to formulate its own policy toward Iran, which continues to advance its nuclear program. It is even possible that the policies of the Israeli government will have a long-term negative impact on American motivation to maintain the special relationship.
From Jerusalem to Washington: The Significance of Israel’s New Government | INSS
