The Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University warns of the deteriorating status of Israel in the United States and of the internal interactions within the Democratic Party, and believes that American Jews can provide assistance to it, offering several pieces of advice.
According to a working paper published by the Institute on its website, the stance on Israel has become one of the most important criteria in the Democratic Party primaries in the United States. This report explores how this will develop, how it will affect relations between Washington and Tel Aviv, and whether Israel has any role in it.
In this context, the Institute says that the Democratic Party’s congressional primaries in June turned into a contest between the party’s mainstream and its progressive wing, with US policy toward Israel and the role of the pro-Israel lobby group emerging as points of contention.
He also says that progressives, buoyed by surprising and remarkable victories in New York, New Jersey, California and Colorado, have turned their opposition to the Washington-Tel Aviv alliance into a crucial criterion for determining whether candidates hold the “right” positions.
He goes on to describe the interactions within the Democratic Party: “At the same time, candidates from this wing of the party generally won in constituencies considered Democratic Party strongholds.”
According to the Institute, the most important question remains: Will their anti-Israel stances prove to be an advantage or a disadvantage in competitive election races?
He answers: “For Israel and the American Jewish community, the outcome will not only shape the next Congress, but will also determine the direction of the Democratic Party’s ideology on its way to the 2028 presidential election.”
Recommendations
The Institute for National Security Studies advises the occupation government that Israel does not play a direct role in the American elections, but its political orientations in the fields of diplomacy, national security and foreign policy have a significant impact.
He says that decisions made by the Israeli leadership could either strengthen the position of key figures in the Democratic Party who are committed to the alliance with Israel, or provide arguments for figures in the progressive movement who seek to undermine this alliance.
The institute continues: “Under these circumstances, the Israeli leadership should adopt the following principles: distinguishing between harsh criticism and hostile political elements.”
According to the Institute, the Israeli national leadership and its diplomatic apparatus should maintain a continuous and respectful dialogue with a wide spectrum of Republicans and Democrats.
It is advisable to simultaneously seek to isolate the political elements that strongly oppose the alliance in any way.
According to the institute, the guiding principle of Israeli diplomatic policy toward the United States should be rebuilding bipartisan support.
Two-state solution
Among its recommendations, the institute points to the need to encourage new diplomatic initiatives that address key American concerns.
In this regard, he claims, contrary to historical fact, that most members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are aware that Israel faces serious security challenges, and that Palestinian leaders have repeatedly rejected the possibility of a two-state solution.
The Israeli institute goes on to claim: “However, these politicians are under increasing pressure from their opponents on the right and left, who see Israel as a rogue state and accuse it of seeking permanent domination over the Palestinians or displacing them to other countries.”
“To enable Israel’s supporters to continue defending the alliance, Israel must embark on a diplomatic initiative that includes new ideas about its future relations with the Palestinians,” according to the institute.
He believes these ideas should be based on the security reality following the events of October 7th, and on Israel's unwavering commitment to remaining a Jewish and democratic state. It must also demonstrate responsibility and accountability under international law.
He also believes that accusations against Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, and its tolerance of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, and even its assistance to them, are severely damaging its support in the US Congress and beyond.
He says that Israel can mitigate this damage by taking steps to investigate its conduct during the war, demonstrate the continued vitality and independence of its courts, and apply the law firmly against settlers who attack Palestinian villages in the West Bank.
Cooperation with American Jews
In terms of recommendations, the Institute concludes that it is also necessary to engage in dialogue and coordination with American Jews.
He justifies his view by saying that the wave of public attacks launched by progressive politicians against Israel has undermined the confidence of many American Jews, contributed to their feeling of political isolation, and raised their fears about their declining ability to influence their surroundings.
He adds: “At the same time, a large segment of the Jewish people feels alienated by many of the actions and statements of the Israeli government and its ministers. Israel must strive to repair its relations with the American Jewish community, as this would contribute to a broad and sustained effort to restore Israel’s standing in American public opinion and politics.”
