The relationship between the United States and Israel has been showing cracks for a long time, but now it seems to have come to a serious row, notes foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg. According to Hammelburg, the situation has deteriorated following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to the adopted UN resolution in which the US abstained. “It was coming, and I don’t see it getting better any time soon.”
‘Fierce argument’ between Biden and Netanyahu: ‘Was coming’
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The chairman of the Democratic group, Chuck Schumer, previously stated that he considers Netanyahu a “stumbling block” on the road to peace. “That was quite something,” says Hammelburg. ‘According to Schumer, Netanyahu must go and Biden supported that. So it’s really a big fight.’ In addition, Israeli media are also disgraceful about Netanyahu’s response to the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire.
According to NSC MP Caspar Veldkamp, also former ambassador to Israel and the Palestinian territories, the Israelis themselves also realize that it is becoming a mess. The fact that Israeli media themselves are now also expressing criticism is an example of this. “You see that after the adoption of that resolution, Netanyahu canceled a delegation visit to the White House. A large part of the delegation was also removed from negotiations in Qatar about a ceasefire. A very messy situation has arisen.’
Disproportionate pressure
At the same time, the NSC MP also somewhat understands Netanyahu’s frustration. One of the Israeli Prime Minister’s main goals is to free the hostages still held by Hamas. At the same time, pressure on negotiations in Qatar to reach a ceasefire is increasing. ‘Countries such as the US and the Netherlands in particular are putting pressure on Israel. Arab countries should do the same to Hamas. I think Netanyahu experiences that a disproportionate amount of pressure is being exerted on Israel, which puts pressure on the right to self-defense.’
‘Israel has one of the most rickety and messy cabinets in history’
But according to Veldkamp, the biggest problem for Netanyahu is that his country is facing “the greatest challenge in the history of existence.” The NSC MP compares the events of October 7 last year with the downing of flight MH17, ‘but to the power of 100’. Not only is support for Israel continuing to crumble, there are now also skirmishes with Hezbollah. ‘Israel therefore has the greatest challenges, but at the same time it also has one of the most rickety and messy cabinets in history.’
Strategic interests
In addition, Netanyahu is increasingly less popular in his own country. Hammelburg notices that the Israeli prime minister is fighting for his own existence. ‘His position is very weak. Words are used in the media that you hope would never be used for a Dutch politician.’ Yet the foreign commentator does not think that the United States will immediately drop Israel. ‘The strategic interests are too great for that.’
Also read | Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah ignore UN resolution
Veldkamp sees it differently: ‘The strategic interests are great, but Israel must be very careful in the future. Support for Israeli actions is declining sharply. In addition, future presidents will look more to China, because the US has become less dependent on the Middle East. The bond does not automatically remain equally bonded in all areas. Israel must take this into account,” Veldkamp warns.
Also read | Divisions within the Israeli government are increasing noticeably
