Israel Discovers the Real Obama

In a strong contrast to the years of George W. Bush, the relationship between Israel and the United States has turned bitter and difficult. The assertive reminders of the new administration’s policy in the Middle East foreshadow difficult times ahead.

Barack Obama and Benyamin Nétanyahou’s May 18th meeting at the White House was considered crucial for Israeli-American relations and for the peace process in the Middle East. Despite vast political differences and opposing positions, the meetings did, in fact, occur although it will be a very long time before we know exactly what was said.

Each resolutely reaffirmed his convictions but remained publicly polite.

Obama is not in the habit of showing his feelings. He has yet to abandon his cool attitude, despite his true opinions. Deeply aware of American political life, Nétanyahou knows how to appreciate the popularity of the new president and a tough game of political and, perhaps, personal chess has begun.

Vice-president Joe Biden was the first of Obama’s team to express his views on relations with Israel before Nétanyahou’s arrival in Washington. Now, it is Hillary Clinton who gives voice to the administration’s position. According to Clinton, there is nothing to negotiate: ” President Obama is very clear. He wants the end of the colonization: no colonies, no advanced posts, no exceptions connected to the natural growth ” of colonies populating the West Bank.

Nétanyahou believed Hillary Clinton, the former openly pro-Israeli senator of New York, to be an ally within the administration. Slowly, disillusionment is setting in.

Obama’s message indicates that he has callously failed to consider the political fragility of Nétanyahou’s coalition and is not counting on its longevity. The Israeli Prime Minister will soon have the choice between a domestic crisis if he chooses to adopt U.S. policy or a crisis with the United States should he opt not to heed Obama’s call-more likely, he will face both at the same time.

As for Obama, he continues, unperturbed, to pursue his own policy. On June 4th, in Cairo, President Obama will deliver his “speech to the Muslim world “. It is in this speech that his overall vision for U.S. policy in the Middle East will be articulated.

The White House has signaled that the Palestinian conflict is to be considered part of a much larger picture. Israel remains the “privileged ally ” of the United States and America remains the “guarantors” of its safety. But Washington will also pursue other objectives in the region and henceforth expects contributions to those aims.

This expectation has especially been emphasized in the American effort to improve relations with the Arab world as well as the push to come to terms with Iran.

Under George W. Bush, Israel lost the habit of fear of forceful American speech. The upcoming weeks will tell whether this is only a rhetorical shift or if the United States feelings towards Israel are truly being transformed.