Israel-US ties are just fine

You might be surprised to hear this, but the ties between Israel and the U.S. have not deteriorated in recent years. Why might you be surprised? Because "experts" have drilled into your head the idea that Israel's stiff opposition to the Iran nuclear deal derailed its relationship with its best friend in the world. These "experts" have continuously harped on about the dangers of Israel's "reckless conduct," without ever mentioning mistakes made by the U.S.

It is true that there have been ups and downs in the Israel-U.S. relationship during President Barack Obama's time in office. But an in-depth look at the relationship reveals that no real damage has been incurred. Military, economic and cultural ties between the two countries all remain strong, as do the diplomatic ties between the two governments. So settle down, everyone. Despite some recent disagreements between the Obama administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, the traditional Israel-U.S. relationship is alive and well.

In early November, Netanyahu will travel to Washington to meet with Obama at the White House. Netanyahu's trip will undoubtedly draw much media attention, both in Israel and the U.S., not only because of the unique nature of the Israel-U.S. relationship, but also the contrasting personalities and worldviews of Netanyahu and Obama.

The personal tension that exists between Netanyahu and Obama is no secret. Yet the warm meeting in Washington on Tuesday between Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, at which they discussed additional American military aid to Israel, showed that the Israel-U.S. relationship is more than just how Netanyahu and Obama feel about each other personally.

The Israel-U.S. relationship is not just of a government-to-government nature. At its core are the common values shared by the peoples of Israel and the U.S. And this is what the "experts" have overlooked in their flawed analyses of the Israel-U.S. relationship.

Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington will likely go smoothly. Those who hope Obama will take revenge on Netanyahu for his opposition to the Iran deal should prepare for disappointment. Obama may not have liked Netanyahu's address to Congress last March, but what's done is done. And Netanyahu did not like the nuclear deal reached between world powers and Iran, but he realizes that what is important now is to minimize the deal's damage.

Netanyahu and Obama look at the world in different ways. While Obama saw the "Arab Spring" as a democratic awakening, Netanyahu rightly saw it as an outbreak of Islamic radicalism. And while Obama focused his attention on the "moderate" Iran of President Hassan Rouhani, Netanyahu wisely kept his eyes on the true decision-maker in Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The most important thing for Netanyahu and Obama to remember ahead of their meeting is that sometimes the best option is to agree to disagree.

טעינו? נתקן! אם מצאתם טעות בכתבה, נשמח שתשתפו אותנו