Tread Carefully with the New US Administration

The new US administration is far more sympathetic to Israel than was its predecessor, but we must avoid taking steps from which there is no return. The Middle East is not Washington's sole focus and Israel must preserve the bipartisan support it enjoys.

Curb Your Enthusiasm About the Trump Administration

One cannot blame Israelis for their sense of euphoria following the change of government in the US, but a less simplistic view of events in the US reveals a more complex picture. It is in Israel's interest to approach the new administration with a degree of restraint.

Trump Has Fans in Israel

Israel is a very pro-American country, possibly more so than any other country in the world. As in the past, Israelis followed the US presidential election with great interest, amazed that the American political system had not produced more palatable presidential candidates. After eight years of a frosty relationship with the US Commander in Chief, many Israelis cautiously welcome the advent of Donald Trump.

US-Israel Relations: Beyond the $38 Billion

The MOU demonstrates the robust nature of the US-Israel special relationship. Now the two countries must jointly address the most significant strategic challenge: The continuing threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.

A Wealth of Friendship

The landmark US defense aid package signed on September 14 is an important event for Israel, for three reasons. First, it indicates the depth of the American leadership's commitment to Israel's security, despite differences of opinion between the two countries. Second, it allows the IDF to sustain its multiyear plans to bolster capabilities in every field. And third, it signals to all those plotting against Israel in the region and the world that Israel's friendship with the US remains strong.

Implications of US Disengagement from the Middle East

The adverse implications of US withdrawal from the Middle East are manifold, including: the acceleration of Tehran’s drive to regional hegemony, the palpable risk of regional nuclear proliferation following the JCPOA, the spread of jihadist Islam, and Russia’s growing penetration of the region. Manifest US weakness is also bound to have ripple effects far beyond the Middle East.

Israel’s Role in the Struggle over the Iranian Nuclear Project

Washington now seeks to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Jerusalem seeks to prevent it from having the capability to produce nuclear weapons. Israel should keep doing everything it can to prevent a bad deal with Iran, up to the very last second.

Obama’s Iran Policy and Israel’s Elections

Obama does not want Netanyahu in Washington because he considers him a spoiler of his most important foreign policy initiative - an agreement with Iran. He’d like to oust him from Jerusalem as well.

Lunch with Vice Admiral James Foggo

Vice Admiral James G. Foggo, III, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and 6th Fleet deputy commander, joins the BESA Center for lunch (Sunday, January 4, 2015)

America’s Standing in the World: Image and Reality

International Conference at the BESA Center - December 8/9, 2014. Watch a full video of the conference here