On August 27, Naftali Bennett and Joe Biden met in the White House: the first meeting with an American head of state for Bennett since becoming prime minister, and the first meeting with a head of the Israeli government for Biden since becoming president. Jonathan Schanzer considers the future of the alliance between Jerusalem and Washington in light of the new administrations, and changing global circumstances:
Shared Western values have been the cornerstone of the U.S.-Israel relationship for more than 70 years. But that relationship now needs a greater sense of common purpose.
Israel may seek to demonstrate how it can support America in [its] looming tussle with Beijing. The Israelis can set an example for how allies can optimize their economic and diplomatic engagements with America’s adversary to mitigate risk—and in fact, are already doing so, even if there is more work to be done. Israel could also serve as the eyes and ears for America in the Middle East, where China clearly seeks to build up assets.
The future could also be built on military cooperation. Israel is one of the few military powers capable of defending American interests, even when America is unwilling or unable to do so. It has played this role for years, taking out the Iraqi and Syrian nuclear programs and undermining the Iranian program through cyber and other means. Looking ahead, the Israelis could forge deeper alliances with some of their new peace partners in pursuit of this mission.
More about: China, Joseph Biden, Naftali Bennett, US-Israel relations