Israel must stop pretending bond with US is 'unbreakable' before it's too late - opinion

The erosion of support for Israel in the United States is a deeply concerning trend that demands urgent attention, moving beyond simplistic explanations. Recent events, such as the Senate resolution to block arms sales to Israel, supported by a significant portion of Democratic senators, are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a broader, historic shift. This decline is palpable, with polling data indicating a growing unfavorable view of Israel among Americans, particularly younger demographics. As Yaakov Katz writes for The Jerusalem Post, the tendency in Israel to attribute this solely to rising antisemitism or a natural generational disconnect in the US overlooks a more critical, internal examination.

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We need better hasbara. We need to reach out to Democrats. We need to cultivate ties with the Latino community.

While acknowledging the rise in antisemitism and the changing historical context for younger Americans, these factors alone do not account for the full picture. The article posits that Israel must confront uncomfortable questions about its own policies and public diplomacy, often referred to as 'hasbara.' The current approach, characterized by a reactive stance and a failure to adapt communication strategies, is proving insufficient. The deep-seated alliance between the US and Israel, often described as 'unbreakable,' is facing unprecedented challenges that require more than just reaffirmations of shared values; they require a strategic recalibration.

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The concern is real and justified, since what we are seeing is a historic shift that may never return to the way things once were.

From an Israeli perspective, the current situation necessitates a critical self-assessment. The article critiques a simplistic view of the alliance, where support from Washington is celebrated as diplomatic genius, while any friction is dismissed as betrayal. This binary thinking fails to grasp the complexities of modern international relations. It is imperative for Israel to cultivate stronger ties with diverse communities within the US, including the Democratic party and the Latino community, and to develop more sophisticated and nuanced 'hasbara' efforts. The Jerusalem Post, reflecting a concerned segment of Israeli public opinion, urges a proactive approach to preserve this vital relationship before the damage becomes irreparable, emphasizing that the alliance's strength depends on mutual understanding and continuous effort, not just historical ties.

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60% of American adults now hold an unfavorable view of Israel, including the share of Republicans, which has surged since last year, driven by those under 50.