Prof. Yossi Shain, an international relations expert at Georgetown University and Tel Aviv University, spoke to 103FM on Tuesday, analyzing changes in relations between Israel and the US, growing opposition to Israel within US President Donald Trump's political camp, and the potential implications for the alliance between the two countries.
"We are currently at a stage of a paradigm shift in relations between Israel and the US," Shain said. "For decades, these relations were defined as special relations, and that special status was based on what we called the two pillars of shared values and strategic needs."
Addressing the shared values underpinning the relationship, Shain explained that those foundations are increasingly being challenged.
"In terms of values, there are now those who are undermining them. In the US, people no longer necessarily see us as partners who share their values, not only within the Democratic Party, but also among many prominent figures in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement that drives Trump's political base," he said.
According to Shain, the American perception of Israel's strategic importance is also undergoing significant changes.
"In terms of strategic needs, following the war with Iran, many in the US, beyond what happened during the Gaza war, are developing theories that Israel is not only no longer a strategic partner, but has strategically taken control of American interests in direct opposition to America's own national interests," he said.
"This is an enormous battle over Israel's standing and reputation."
Shain also described the concerns he has heard from some of Israel's closest supporters in the US.
"I say this with great concern. Even our best friends tell me, 'Yossi, you need to do some serious thinking tonight,'" he said.
Despite his warnings, Shain emphasized Israel's security contribution to the US and the extensive military cooperation between the two countries.
"For those who are willing to look at the facts, Michael Oren is right that Israel makes a unique contribution to America's security as an ally," he said.
"Secretary of War Hegseth said during the war that nothing like this had happened since World War II, with Israeli and American pilots flying shoulder to shoulder, carrying out thousands of sorties and operations in pursuit of a shared national interest."
However, Shain argued that changes in American politics have created new challenges for Israel.
"At the same time, the US has changed, and there are many voices within Trump's own party warning that if the president launches a war because of Israel, he will find himself without Congress, without the Senate, and without MAGA," he said.
'There is no substitute for the alliance with America'
Shain went on to address internal divisions within Trump's political movement and the growing hostility toward figures associated with strong support for Israel.
"That does not mean there are no longer people in the White House who support Israel, particularly among the neoconservatives associated with what is called the MAGA movement," he said.
"But this movement has changed and has come to identify neoconservatives, such as Rubio and Pompeo, as something toxic, as an Israeli manipulation of America's own national interests."
Shain warned that these developments could have serious consequences for Israel's international standing and its relationship with Washington.
"Under the cover of hostility that is penetrating every corner of the US, and which Israeli forces are also fueling, we have failed to preserve the two pillars of the relationship and our support on both sides of Congress and the Senate," he said.
"As a result, we could, God forbid, find ourselves in a very difficult position. There is no substitute for the alliance with America, and China cannot serve as an alternative."
He added that the debate over American financial and military assistance to Israel is not new, but that the issue has become increasingly politicized in recent years.
"Trump's actions today come after years of discussion about reducing American aid, and that is nothing new," Shain said. "But the politicization of these processes is deeply damaging Israel's standing."
'These issues will still need to be worked out': Shain addresses Liberman's position on Netanyahu
Toward the end of the interview, Shain also addressed Israel's domestic political situation, particularly Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman's position regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Liberman stood before his party's voters and said he would not make any deal with Netanyahu, whom he called 'the head of a criminal organization,'" Shain said.
He also referred to Liberman's statements regarding the formation of Israel's next government.
"He said he would not sit with Netanyahu even if he were offered the first rotation as prime minister," Shain noted.
"At the same time, he said he would recommend Eisenkot, while also declaring that he intends to join a Zionist government. Therefore, these issues will still need to be worked out."
Follow us on GoogleSource: The Jerusalem Post · 103FM
At a glance
- Topic
- World
- Country
- 🇮🇱 IL
- Publisher language
- EN
- Added to Allnira