Israel
is supposed to be a staunch ally of the United States and in many ways it is.
However, the American public in general knows little about Israel and certainly
nothing about its internal politics. This doesn't matter very much because the
only thing of importance to Americans is that they believe Israel will provide
military-related assistance, if and when necessary, to the U.S. in the Middle
East. That is the ultra-simplified way to consider U.S./Israel relations, but
still essentially accurate. While the American public is largely ignorant of
Israeli political matters, it is always a bit surprised when the news media
bring up situations that reflect serious divisions within this determinedly
friendly state.
The
truth is that the non-Jewish American public seem to be unaware that Israel has
had any other prime minister that wasn't Bibi Netanyahu. Maybe there is a
glimmer of remembrance of the others, but Bibi is just about the only one they
can recall. This may be an exaggeration, but not by much. After all, most
Americans don't think much about Israel except when they see on television some
riot against the Jewish state in some Arab country. This may seem simplistic,
but it's realistic. This is why the current political competition between and
among Israeli politicians is so little understood by the average U.S.
television news viewer. It seems the one person they know is having a hard time
holding on.
This
is upsetting the American who cares, but there are not many of them. These few
hear that their one known Israeli leader, Bibi Netanyahu, is being characterized
as a “rightist” - a term that is not fully understood. On closer inspection,
the right-wing character attributed to Bibi is currently grounded in his stated
willingness to annex the West Bank in Palestinian territory. To add to that,
Netanyahu is also facing serious corruption charges in addition to vociferous
opposition claims that he regularly has attacked the country's minority Arab
population. The connections are tenuous, but they work in the cut and thrust of
tough Israeli politics, even if it is far too arcane for the average American
to comprehend. Israel is seriously divided on what may come next. However, Bibi
appears in real trouble and Washington is very aware of that.
The
one thing that appears clear, even to Americans, is that Bibi Netanyahu and any
government he leads will take a hard line toward Palestinian ambitions and
goals both within Israel and across the demarcation line into internationally
recognized Palestine territory.
Meanwhile
Israel, with or without Netanyahu’s leadership, maintains a well-equipped
military force dedicated to the protection of their country. And once again
here is Netanyahu's perception at work despite the strong effort of Israel's
Left to balance the perceptions of danger of renewed efforts by the
Palestinians and their Islamic allies to overthrow the existing structure and
borders of the State of Israel. The current American Administration is solidly
committed, though carefully unclear, in its definition of support for the protection
of all aspects of the Jewish homeland.
Divided
is the best way to describe the American Jewish involvement and interest in the
current political situation in Israel. This is to say nothing of altered
relations with Palestine and its people, both those who are within its
territory and those who still live in Israel. There seems nothing that isn't
controversial when any form of challenge is posed. From a U.S. military and
political standpoint, the entire issue can be best described as keeping a
watchful eye on the issue – with fingers crossed. And that is about as
professional as it gets – or maybe even can get!
The
bottom line in this seemingly never-ending crisis continues to be played out in
varying ways, while in spite of on and off TV coverage and comment the American
public in general remain blissfully unknowing. No, Bibi Netanyahu is not
running for President of Israel (at least not now). Yes, Israel shares
technical intelligence and more – we think – with the United States.
Meanwhile, American Jews seem to know nearly as little about Israeli affairs as
the Americans who are not Jewish.
And
yes, if Moses had led the faithful to the northern part of Egypt, he would have
found that land is connected to the Sinai without ever having to part the Red
Sea. There is a meaning to this, but who knows what it is!
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