Israel has long relied on the United States as its most important ally and weapons supplier. But Israeli leaders are now planning for a future in which American support could become less reliable—or come with conditions that limit Israel’s freedom to act.
That concern came into sharper focus this month when Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman warned that the United States could recognize a Palestinian state within two years. Speaking at a counterterrorism summit at Reichman University, Liberman said he believed that would not happen while President Donald Trump remains in office. He urged Israel to use the time that is left to prevent what he called a diplomatic disaster.
Liberman claimed that officials he had spoken with at the State Department and National Security Council supported recognition of a Palestinian State. He predicted that Washington could lead a United Nations Security Council resolution and described a future Palestinian state as including Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley, Gaza and East Jerusalem.
Liberman’s warning reflects a fear in Israel that today’s political support could shift quickly after the next change of administration or even stall if US mid-terms weaken support for Trump. (Read More)
