Israel's elections reawaken U.S. Jews' trauma

Key Findings:

This article discusses the contrasting perceptions of the "government for change" by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid within Israel and among U.S. Jews. While many Israelis regarded this branding as mere marketing, a significant portion of U.S. Jewry welcomed it as a substantial departure from the distressing era under Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. The U.S. Jewish community felt neglected by Netanyahu's government, perceiving it as dismissive of Reform and Conservative Jews, who predominantly align with the Democratic party and felt marginalized.

Netanyahu's confrontational stance, exemplified by his 2015 U.S. Congress appearance against President Barack Obama's wishes, exacerbated tensions. His alignment with former President Donald Trump, in contravention of the long-standing bipartisan support for Israel, further strained relations with U.S. Jews. In contrast, the Bennett-Lapid government sought to rebuild bridges, restoring bipartisan support and engaging in diplomatic dialogue with the Biden administration.

The strategic significance of the Jerusalem-Washington-Jewish community trident is underscored as a vital resource for Israel due to the influence of the American Jewish community. Despite constituting only 2% of the U.S. population, American Jews hold prominent roles in various sectors and wield considerable sway. The Israeli government is advised to respect their opinions and engage with them on critical issues such as Iran, Palestinian affairs, and religious matters.

American Jews must not be placed in a dilemma regarding the Iran nuclear deal. Their alignment with the policies of Democratic presidents here must be acknowledged. Leveraging their support can contribute to securing Israel's strength, necessitating sensitivity to their concerns, including the perception of Jewish involvement in pushing the U.S. into unwanted conflict.

Although American Jews do not participate in Israeli elections, their support and influence remain significant factors. The new Israeli government should learn from past mistakes and recognize the value of the U.S. Jewish community's assistance, avoiding disregard or underestimation, as such attitudes could prove costly when their contribution is most needed.