Is the Israeli-American alliance in trouble?

Israel denounces the abstention of its American ally during the adoption of a UN resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The United States is playing the appeasement card.

For the first time since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, Monday March 25, the UN Security Council adopted by 14 votes in favor and one abstention – that of the United States – a resolution calling for a ” immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel’s historic ally, Washington had until now opposed the term “ceasefire” in UN resolutions, blocking three texts to this effect.

The resolution “demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan” – which already started two weeks ago -, ahead “lead to a lasting ceasefire“, summerdemands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages“.

On the Israeli side, calculated anger?

Welcomed by a majority of countries, this vote provoked the anger of the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who immediately reacted by affirming that “American abstention was detrimental to the war effort and the release of hostages”. Proof of the deterioration of relations between the United States and Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu also canceled the visit of an Israeli delegation to the United States to discuss the conditions for continuing the war.

However, the Netanyahu government was nevertheless informed, according to several diplomats, of the United States’ desire not to veto the draft resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. There would therefore have been no surprise, but a strong, calculated reaction which would respond to domestic political considerations. As early as last week, Benjamin Netanyahu called on his deputies to remain united against Joe Biden and his desire to slow down the Israeli offensive on Rafah.

The question now is how long the Prime Minister will be able to brandish the American scarecrow to maintain the unity of his coalition, at the risk of losing an alliance essential to the security of Israeli territory.

On the American side, astonishment and appeasement

For their part, the United States is playing the appeasement card. They made it known, through a communication from the State Department, that Israel respected international law whether in its conduct of war or the delivery of humanitarian aid. And the White House assured that the American abstention was not a change of course.

Officially, there is therefore no cold spell between the two countries. But the spokesperson for the American National Security Council, John Kirby, recognizes it: the Israeli reaction to American abstention disappointed the White House. “We are a little surprised. It seems that the Prime Minister’s office is trying to create the impression of divergence, when that is not necessary“, he says. And he affirms that American support has not changed since the Hamas attack.

“No change in our policy: we have been clear in our support for a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal.”

John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council

during a press conference

The fact remains that, for weeks, Joe Biden’s team has clearly distanced itself from the policy of Benymain Netanyahu’s government, with a new warning concerning an offensive in Rafah.

But the links remain strong, assures the spokesperson for the National Security Council: “We still maintain very close relations with our Israeli partners and with the government in place. That doesn’t mean we will agree on everything. And, my God, we don’t. But it happens between friends. You don’t agree? You discuss. Israel remains a close ally and a friend.” The best evidence, John Kirby concludes, is that the Israeli defense minister is in the American capital to discuss military support for Israel.