Questioning US-Israel relations

The Stream speaks with Stephen Walt, co-author of ‘The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy.’

Israel has received more foreign aid from the United States than any other country in the world, and each year influential pro-Israeli government groups donate millions of dollars to US lawmakers and political campaigns.

But to what extent has America's relationship with Israel affected opportunities to influence positive change in the Middle East?

We speak with Harvard Professor Stephen Walt, a self-described “foreign policy realist” and co-author of “The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy.”

What do you think? How do US-Israel relations affect foreign policy in the Middle East? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "US-Israel relations and Middle East policy" on StorifyUS-Israel relations and Middle East policyThe Stream speaks with Stephen Walt, co-author of ‘The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy.’Storified by The Stream · Thu, May 10 2012 12:37:48114466095AW006_PRESIDENT_OBAJstreamSpeculation has been rife for months that Israel might launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran this year. At the centre of the rumblings have been questions over what role the special relationship between Israel, the United States and the US-Israel lobby might play in the decision-making process. The video below shows the general strategy used by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), one of the most powerful pro-Israeli government interest groups in the country, to influence politicians and their policies.AIPAC Pres. Lee Rosenberg implores financial support for pro-Israel politicianslamilazzoProfessor Stephen Walt of Harvard University has long been critical of the US-Israel lobby and the influence it has upon American foreign policy in the Middle East. Professor Stephen Walt speaks at Move Over AIPAC part 1codepink84
When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that the next election — previously slated for 2013 — would be moved up to September, many speculated that it meant that Israel was planning a strike on Iran for September or October. The logic behind these rumours was that US President Barack Obama would not risk alienating the lobby and pro-Israel voters before the US election by challenging Netanyahu with a fresh mandate on the issue.Netanyahu calls for early elections in Israel. Signal pre-emptive strike against Iran?? http://bit.ly/IPPgxDJay ClarkeA Netanyahu victory two months before the U.S. election could give him leverage over Barack Obama on the Iranian and Palestinian issues while the president is still engaged in his own campaign and wary of alienating pro-Israel U.S. voters. Floyd M OakesHowever, in a surprising turn of events, the decision was effectively reversed the following day when a new unity coalition was formed between Netanyahu's Likud Party and the Kadima Party. Many, however, still believe that a strike will take place because Netanyahu now has a broader mandate with which he can pursue his objectives.Why Netanyahu's coalition in #Israel? Consensus for striking Iran; consensus to remove settlements; or to delegitimise Mofaz, finish Kadima?Volker Perthes"It is better for Netanyahu to order an attack on Iran with a massive coalition standing behind him". - Caroline B. GlickPhillip N. LeggNOW WE ARE DOWN TO A FEW MONTHS BEFORE ATTACKING IRAN. Yeah, like September - October. Just in time to reelect Obama. The unity government which Binyamin Netanyahu formed Tuesday May 8, is not just the broadest coalition ever to govern Israel, but also the first with three former chiefs of staff who are fully capable of directing an attack on Iran. It was this feature which caught Washington’s attention as the first reports of Netanyahu’s stunning U-turn away from an early election filtered through. All the same, US sources expect the new government to give Obama a few months’ space before a decision on Iran. Joe GrossingerNew Coalition in Israel may mandate a strike on Israel...Bibi has gathered the Children of Israel as a mother hen gathers her chicks to rally against an external threat...not a savior? IMO, the Lord has chosen well... Jimmys JournalThe constant speculation, particularly in relation to how the US might react to Israel's actions, shows that many believe the Israel lobby has immense power over US policy. Dear Mr. President(@BarackObama), Why is it that the #Israel lobby has more power than you do,sir? I am utterly bewildered, sir. Sincerely..Michael JanhoFormer #CIA official Michael Scheuer: "Israeli lobby has tied American government down like Gulliver" http://bit.ly/ICGEqG #IsraelAmericanPakiCiF contributor suggests Obama administration’s sanctions against Iran are result of Israel lobby http://nblo.gs/xq81OChana LevickThe chart below, from of the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, shows the amount of aid provided to Israel by the United States since 1949.undefinedStaticflickrOn Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed a bill (with a vote of 411-2), that expands US military support for Israel.Citizens concerned with power of the Israel lobby often stage protests across the country. A group of these protesters gathered outside an AIPAC meeting last December re-enact the Israeli soliders demolishing Palestinian homes. AIPAC in Sacramento: Protest bulldozer demolished homes outside Israel lobby 12/4/11wikiworldorderDespite these protests against US support for Israel, many within the Israel lobby itself feel that Obama has not been committed enough to Israel. Republican Jewish Coalition Bashes Obama On Israel In New Web AdbuzzfeedLately, US Republicans have been criticising Obama for not taking a strong enough stance against Iran. US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney gave voters a taste of what his policy would be.Romney on Iran and Israelmarathonpundit

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