The Secrets of Statecraft
Daniel Samet on the Realpolitik Behind US-Israeli Relations | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Apr 18, 2025
Daniel Samet, the George P. Schultz Fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute and author of a new book on U.S. defense policy towards Israel, dives deep into the intricate U.S.-Israeli relationship. He highlights how strategic interests often overshadow shared values, examining the historical context of U.S. aid to Israel and its evolving dynamics. Samet also addresses the shifting landscape of Congressional attitudes influenced by younger voters and examines the significant power that weaker nations, like Israel, can exert over stronger allies.
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Quick takeaways
- American policy toward Israel has historically prioritized strategic national security interests over domestic political or moral considerations since 1948.
- Despite perceptions of a powerful pro-Israel lobby, U.S. presidential decisions have frequently contradicted lobby influence, showcasing a more complex relationship.
Deep dives
Strategic Interests Drive U.S.-Israel Relations
American policy toward Israel has primarily been driven by strategic interests since 1948, rather than domestic politics or moral considerations. Analysts often argue that domestic influences significantly shape the U.S.-Israel relationship, but evidence suggests that key decision-makers focus on national security and prosperity as their guiding principles. Historical documentation, including decisions made by high-ranking officials, demonstrates that concerns for U.S. interests consistently overshadowed any pressure from the pro-Israel lobby. This perspective counters popular narratives that attribute shifts in American foreign policy to lobbying efforts or moral values.
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