Fraying Alliances: The Price of Blind Partisanship

The upcoming visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House serves as a stark reminder that even the most seemingly unshakeable alliances can fray under the weight of catastrophic policy decisions. Donald Trump’s fingerprints are everywhere in the US’s disastrous war with Iran.

For years, Netanyahu has manipulated Washington’s deepest anxieties about national security and the threat posed by a resurgent Iran to further his own agenda. His efforts have finally borne fruit, but the consequences are far from what either side could have anticipated. The US military’s all-out assault on Iranian targets has become a major embarrassment for Trump, with mounting casualties and waning public support.

Netanyahu’s government is also facing international criticism for its brutal suppression of Gaza, continued occupation of southern Lebanon, and settler violence in the West Bank. Palestinian communities face systematic displacement and economic strangulation under the guise of apartheid. Yet, despite this litany of war crimes and human rights abuses, Netanyahu remains an honored guest at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

US foreign policy has become mired in a strange calculus – one where politics trumps principle and blind partisanship is rewarded above all else. The special relationship between the US and Israel has always been complex, born of shared values and strategic interests. However, in recent years, it’s become clear that Netanyahu’s Israel has little interest in being an equal partner or a faithful ally.

A History of Blind Loyalty

The story of US-Israel relations often focuses on unwavering loyalty and generosity, with America propping up the Jewish state through thick and thin. This narrative ignores the darker side of that relationship – the complicity in Israeli apartheid, the silence on war crimes, and the cynical manipulation of US politics.

Netanyahu himself has a long history of exploiting American partisanship to further his agenda. In 2015, he orchestrated the collapse of the Israeli peace talks with the Palestinians, partly due to the meddling of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and other hardline supporters in Washington.

The Price of Blind Loyalty

When Netanyahu meets Trump on July 28, it’s clear that the US will continue to provide Israel with unconditional support, no matter how egregious its human rights record. However, there are risks involved – not just for the US public, who is already reeling from the devastating consequences of this war, but also for Israel itself.

The optics of Netanyahu’s visit couldn’t be worse: a prime minister facing growing criticism even within his own party. The settlements, once a contentious issue between Israeli right-wingers and leftists, are now widely seen as a major obstacle to peace.

A Crisis in US-Israel Relations

As the US grapples with its failed Iran policy, Netanyahu’s visit will only serve to underscore the deepening crisis in US-Israel relations. With a presidential election on the horizon, Trump has little incentive to take bold action or challenge Netanyahu’s extremist agenda. For those who genuinely care about justice and human rights, it’s imperative that we speak out against this poisonous alliance.

Netanyahu’s visit serves as a stark reminder of what happens when politics trumps principle and blind loyalty takes over. The price of such partisanship is always paid by the most vulnerable – in this case, the people of Gaza, Lebanon, and Palestine. As these events unfold, it’s clear that the consequences will be far-reaching and devastating.