EconTalk Should Israel Depend on the US? (with Michael Oren)
Feb 5, 2024
Michael Oren, a historian and former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., argues that Israel should reconsider its dependence on American aid. He believes this could lead to greater strategic independence amid complex dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations. Oren discusses the significance of military aid, the challenges of Israel's communication strategies, and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in Gaza. With an optimistic view of Israel's future, he reflects on historic and current conflicts while emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of diplomatic ties.
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Strategic Independence for Israel
- Israel should strive for strategic independence from the US and end foreign aid.
- Focus on partnerships in areas like cybersecurity, lasers, and joint military exercises.
Life as an Ambassador
- Being Israel's ambassador to the US is a demanding 24/7 job involving diverse interactions.
- Michael Oren prioritized media appearances to gain influence and access within the administration.
Challenges of Israeli PR
- Israel's public diplomacy struggles because it's held to a different standard as the Jewish state.
- Ancient hatreds and tropes resurface, making objective media coverage difficult.
