School of War Ep 211: Daniel Samet on the Origins of the U.S.-Israel Relationship
12 snips
Jul 1, 2025 Daniel Samet, a George P. Shultz Fellow, explores the intricate history of the U.S.-Israel relationship. He delves into President Truman's swift recognition of Israel just 11 minutes after its declaration and the geopolitical tensions of the late 1940s. Samet highlights the complexities of U.S. support for Israel amid the Cold War, the impact of Soviet-Arab relations, and pivotal moments like the USS Liberty incident and the Yom Kippur War. This rich discussion reveals how strategic decisions shaped alliances and continue to influence modern Middle Eastern dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early U.S. Skepticism of Israel
- In 1948, the U.S. was skeptical toward Israel due to its small size and socialist orientation.
- The State Department's Arabist faction saw Israel as a regional irritant with limited strategic value.
Cold War Lens on Middle East
- The U.S. viewed the Middle East as a Cold War arena where denying Soviet access was paramount.
- Arab states were seen as more significant allies than Israel due to size and resources.
Truman's Swift Recognition of Israel
- Truman recognized Israel 11 minutes after its founding, driven by morality and strategic calculation.
- He believed Arabs needed the U.S. more than the U.S. needed the Arabs, justifying early recognition.
