Yisrael Medad
Jerusalem Post, Feb. 12, 2024
“His new directive authorizes a swift cutoff of military aid to countries that violate international protections of civilians.”
This current American Democratic administration appears, at this time, to be determined to do as much damage to US-Israel relations as possible both within the confines of the traditional relationship and in the balance of political power wielded by the Republicans.
That is a shame, not only for Israel but, most prominently, for Joe Biden’s political future.
The first step toward the current situation was taken in 1982 when then-senator Biden tangled with Israel’s Prime Minister Menachem Begin. As I detailed in a 2008 blog post for the Menachem Begin Center: At a meeting with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 22, 1982, Biden attacked Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria and threatened that if Israel did not immediately cease settlement activity, the United States would have to cut economic aid to Israel.
A look at Israel and America’s past relations
He then raised his voice and banged twice on the table with his fist. To which Begin responded: “This desk is designed for writing, not for fists. Don’t threaten us with slashing aid… we are not to be threatened. I am a proud Jew… you will not frighten me with threats.”
After the meeting, Sen. Daniel Moynihan approached Begin and praised him for his cutting reply. According to Time magazine, Biden jabbed his finger at Begin and warned that US support for Israel was eroding.
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