The U.S-Israel relationship and the UN veto

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The relationship between Israel and the United States has evolved over the years, shaped by geopolitical, strategic, and cultural factors. Here’s a brief history of Israel-U.S. relations:

  1. Post-World War II and Truman Administration (1940s):
  • The State of Israel was established in 1948, and President Harry S. Truman recognized Israel shortly after its declaration of independence.
  • Truman’s decision was influenced by humanitarian concerns, domestic political considerations, and lobbying efforts by Zionist groups.
  1. Eisenhower and Kennedy Administrations (1950s-1960s):
  • During the Suez Crisis in 1956, the U.S. and the Soviet Union pressured Israel, the United Kingdom, and France to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula.
  • The Kennedy administration increased economic and military assistance to Israel but was cautious in providing advanced weaponry.
  1. Johnson and Nixon Administrations (1960s-1970s):
  • The Six-Day War in 1967 strengthened ties between the U.S. and Israel. Israel’s victory over its neighbors increased U.S. strategic interest in the region.
  • During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the U.S. airlifted military aid to Israel, solidifying the notion of a strategic partnership.
  1. Camp David Accords and Carter Administration (1978):
  • The Camp David Accords in 1978 led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, mediated by President Jimmy Carter.
  • The U.S. became a key broker in Middle East peace efforts, with Carter’s administration providing diplomatic support.
  1. Reagan and George H.W. Bush Administrations (1980s-1990s):
  • U.S.-Israel relations strengthened during the Reagan administration, marked by increased military and economic aid.
  • The Reagan administration supported Israel during the Lebanon War in 1982 but also criticized Israeli actions.
  • The George H.W. Bush administration clashed with Israel over settlement policies and delayed loan guarantees.
  1. Oslo Accords and Clinton Administration (1990s):
  • The Oslo Accords in the early 1990s aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • The Clinton administration actively facilitated negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
  1. George W. Bush and Obama Administrations (2000s-2010s):
  • The George W. Bush administration emphasized a strong strategic partnership with Israel.
  • The Obama administration, while maintaining close ties, had policy differences with Israel on issues like settlements and the Iran nuclear deal.
  1. Trump Administration (2017-2021):
  • The Trump administration took a pro-Israel stance, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocating the U.S. embassy there.
  • The administration brokered normalization agreements between Israel and some Arab states, known as the Abraham Accords.
  1. Biden Administration (2021-Present):
  • The Biden administration maintains a commitment to Israel’s security but has policy differences, particularly on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Iran nuclear deal.

Throughout the history of Israel-U.S. relations, common strategic interests, shared democratic values, and regional stability have been key factors shaping the partnership. However, differences on specific policy issues have occasionally strained the relationship.

US vetoes Israel ceasefire resolution at the UN - POLITICO

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A good summary of the timeline, thanks for sharing!