The links between the united states and Israel are often described as a ‘special relationship’ which amounts to an informal alliance. In practice this has translated into solid American diplomatic and military support, and extremely generous financial assistance – around $90 billion since 1948. This connection, which has flourished particularly in the decades since the Six Day War, has also had to endure severe tests and crises because of clashing interests and conflicting views on the best way to resolve Israel’s disputes with its neighbours.
Israel, the US and the Middle East: Grave Scenario
More than two decades after the Camp David Peace Accords were signed between Israel and Egypt, former American President Jimmy Carter has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a striking reminder of both the central role American presidents and the US have played in striving to reach such agreements, and of the fundamentals for any future peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours. There is no reason to assume that these basic elements will alter dramatically. But the chances of peace are now remote and the threat of war – even a nuclear strike if Israel were under attack with weapons of mass destruction – has increased considerably.
