A new U.S. president and the Middle East - with Tal Becker
Jan 24, 2025
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Tal Becker, a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and an expert in Israeli diplomacy, explores significant changes in the U.S.-Israel relationship with the new presidential administration. He discusses Israel's shift from deterrence to proactive strategies amidst rising Iranian influence. The ethical implications of hostage negotiations highlight a complex moral landscape. Becker also analyzes regional dynamics following U.S. foreign policy shifts, emphasizing the need for a hopeful vision balancing security and Palestinian self-governance.
The establishment of Israel aimed to create a thriving society that contributes positively to surrounding communities, moving beyond mere safety.
Recent political changes and military strategies in Israel are reshaping diplomatic relations, notably with Saudi Arabia, amidst ongoing challenges regarding the Palestinian issue.
Deep dives
The Purpose of Israel and Societal Aspirations
Israel was founded with the intent of creating a thriving Jewish society, not merely as a refuge for Jewish anxiety. Its establishment aimed not only at providing safety but also at restoring Jews to a relevant historical narrative and enabling them to enact positive change in surrounding communities. Currently, Israeli society is grappling with the consequences of trauma and feelings of failure, impacting its ability to aspire towards a brighter future. Nevertheless, there remains an opportunity for growth and healing that must not be constrained by past experiences.
Current Political Landscape and Military Shifts
Recent developments in Israel's political landscape include the resignation of military leaders and significant shifts within the ruling coalition, which exacerbate the ongoing complexities in governance. The transitional nature of these political changes coincides with broader military successes that have altered Israel's security strategies from mere deterrence to proactive threat removal. This evolution signifies Israel's determination to eliminate imminent threats rather than merely managing them. As a result, Israel appears to be in a historically strong position, prompting a reevaluation of diplomatic efforts moving forward.
Hostage Negotiations and Societal Solidarity
The complexities surrounding hostage negotiations highlight the profound emotional and ethical considerations within Israeli society, which famously prioritizes the return of its citizens. An anecdote about a child's willingness to trade his own freedom for a soldier’s life exemplifies the deep-seated sense of responsibility Israelis feel for one another. Such narratives suggest that the societal fabric relies on a communal commitment to sacrifice for the collective good, framing the discourse around negotiating with groups like Hamas. However, critics argue that these actions may encourage terrorism by signaling a willingness to make substantial concessions.
Regional Opportunities and Future Paths
The current geopolitical moment presents unprecedented opportunities for Israel to redefine its relationships both regionally and internationally, particularly regarding normalization with Saudi Arabia. There is a potential shift in the Middle Eastern power dynamics, where the diminished strength of the Iranian influence can be leveraged into cooperative relationships among neighboring nations. Successful navigation of these opportunities can foster better economic ties and enhance collective security approaches against threats like terrorism. However, addressing the Palestinian issue remains a critical challenge that intertwines with broader regional stability and requires a balanced vision for coexistence.
Today, we are taking a step back to discuss many of the new opportunities across the landscape for the U.S. and Israel, as a new president takes office.
Our guest is Dr. Tal Becker, who serves as Vice President and Senior Faculty of the Kogod Research Center at Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. Tal was the former Legal Adviser of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is a veteran member of successive Israeli peace negotiation teams and, most recently, represented Israel before the International Court of Justice and played an instrumental role in negotiating and drafting the historic peace and normalization agreements (the "Abraham Accords"). Tal earned his doctorate from Columbia University in New York City, and is the recipient of numerous scholarly awards, including the Rabin Peace Prize, and the Guggenheim Prize for best international law book for his book "Terrorism and the State".
CREDITS:
ILAN BENATAR - Producer & Editor
MARTIN HUERGO - Editor
REBECCA STROM - Director of Operations
STAV SLAMA - Researcher
GABE SILVERSTEIN - Research Intern
YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer
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