BRIEFING ROOM

Donald Trump approaches diplomacy like a business deal—cold, calculated, and ultimately self-serving. His actions in the Middle East make that clear. In his pursuit of personal and economic wins, he has sidelined one of America’s most vital and trusted allies: Israel. Many once claimed Trump was “the best” choice for Israel and the Jewish American community. However, his loyalty lies solely with his own economic and political ambitions. He has proven time and again that no relationship, no matter how long-standing or strategically important, is safe from being sacrificed for short-term gain. Seventy-six years ago, President Harry S. Truman became the first world leader to recognize the State of Israel, just 11 minutes after its declaration of independence. Since then, the U.S.-Israel alliance has been a pillar of American foreign policy. It is a relationship built on shared values, mutual security, and democratic ideals. Israel has consistently supported the United States strategically, diplomatically, and economically. As a frontline partner in the global fight against terrorism, Israel helps to contain threats before they reach American shores. Our economic partnership with Israel is worth more than $35 billion. Despite this, Trump has opened the door for daylight to seep into this special alliance. In seeking deals with some of Israel’s staunchest adversaries—without Israel at the table—he signals that the U.S. guarantee of support is conditional, transactional, and potentially temporary. This emboldens Israel’s enemies and undermines our global credibility. Words matter and can take on their own life. The media reported “a rupture between the two leaders this week.” Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., put it plainly: “It certainly doesn’t look like Netanyahu has Trump’s ear right now—and if he has his ear, he doesn’t have Trump’s heart and mind.” As trust wavers at the executive level, the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship increasingly rests with Congress. That’s why JAC’s mission—to elect candidates who understand the enduring importance of this alliance—is more urgent than ever. Click here to support JAC’s efforts to elect a pro-Israel Congress. As we prepare to mark Israel’s Independence Day, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the Jewish homeland. But we do so with heavy hearts, knowing that the war continues and hostages remain in Gaza. We also approach that day with a sense of uncertainty never felt before about the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Call your Senators and Representative and let them know that the U.S.-Israel relationship needs to be rock-solid. (202) 224-3121. We cannot take U.S. support for Israel for granted — especially now. We must work harder and raise our voices louder to preserve and protect this idea. Elections have consequences.