The great disconnect: Why Israel is losing America while winning in Iran - opinion

From Washington's corridors of power to the highest echelons of the Pentagon, the Trump administration professes an unparalleled commitment to Israel, framing the US-Israel partnership as the bedrock of American foreign policy. This official endorsement, even lauded by foreign diplomats as the preeminent "special" relationship, stands in stark contrast to a deeply troubling trend: the crumbling foundation of public support for Israel within the United States. As Jeffrey Kahn writes for The Jerusalem Post, we are witnessing a profound and alarming disconnect.

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From the Oval Office to the high-ranking echelons of the Pentagon, the Trump administration has framed the US-Israel partnership not merely as a strategic necessity but as the cornerstone of American foreign policy.

The military and intelligence communities in the US continue to laud Israel's capabilities and contributions to American security, with figures like Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine vocal in their praise. Logically, one would expect this high regard from a respected institution like the US military to translate into positive public opinion. However, the opposite is occurring. While the administration disparages traditional allies, Israel faces a growing wave of public disapproval, even from countries that enjoy better public relations in the US.

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While the White House and its team are “unbelievably complementary” of the working relationship, the foundation of public support that once sustained this alliance is crumbling across almost every demographic sector in the United States.

This widening chasm demands a strategic reevaluation. Israel must articulate its value proposition in terms that resonate with the American public and policymakers alike. Framing the annual $3.8 billion aid package not as a handout but as a high-return strategic investment—providing critical intelligence, battlefield-tested technology, and regional deterrence—is essential. Especially when juxtaposed with the vast sums allocated to conflicts like Ukraine, Israel's contribution is a vital component of American power projection, a fact that needs to be communicated more effectively to bridge the growing divide between official policy and public sentiment.

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Influential figures like Pete Hegseth, Dan Caine, and Bret Cooper have been vocal in their praise of the “amazing” Israeli military and intelligence support currently bolstering American security.