Israel

Question 1

How has the US’s attitude towards overseas aid changed?

Answer 1

• no longer as ready to give
• global shift is no longer as beneficial for US as before
• Republican Party is isolationist
  
  • does not feel the costs associated with being “global police” is worth benefits
• however, still needs to counter Chinese influence esp. in Africa

Question 2

What is the US’s ideal outcome with the provision of aid?

Answer 2

• Russia, Hamas, China are deterred from engaging in conflict with US allies
• do so without bringing in military intervention
  
  • to prevent image of warmongering
• no American linked bloodshed
  
  • would radicalise people in Middle East and threaten allied regimes in the region
• results in continued trade and security

Question 3

How has the US assisted Israel?

Answer 3

• Access to resources
• Political support in IGOs
• Alliances with regional powers

Question 4

How is US authority being questioned?

Answer 4

• Saudi Arabia and India have committed HR abuse and marginalised communities despite US pressure
  
  • Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi consulate, 2018
  • Marginalisation of Muslim minority in India
    
    • yet is in best interest to not allow Russia and China to act unilaterally either
  • thus have a shared enemy with US
• Turkey has blocked Swedish NATO bid until 2023

Question 5

How has the US supported Israel in IGOs?

Answer 5

• US is the only UNSC member to recognise Jerusalem as capital of Israel
  
  • ignores all partition plans and religious sensitivities
• Israel is first non-NATO ally of NATO
• US has used veto power at UN 42 times to block resolutions condemning Israel since 1972
• Israel can borrow money from US banks at lower interest rates to rebuild homes after conflicts

Question 6

How has the US supported Israel with resources?

Answer 6

• provides F35 jets and precision guided ammunition to IDF
• also provides Iron Dome defence system and required maintenance and munitions
• deep cooperation between CIA and Mossad intelligence agencies
• is stationing aircraft carries in Mediterranean to deter Hezbollah from starting war on Northern Israel border

Question 7

How has the US helped create alliances for Israel?

Answer 7

• created 2020 Abraham Accords
  
  • UAE, Bahrain and Israel
  • establishment of diplomatic relations
  • travel, economic growth and sharing of Israeli cybersecurity research
• Planned USA-Saudi-Israel pact (pre Gaza-Israel war)
  
  • part of defence deal that includes Saudi recognition of Israel
  • America will run uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia preparing for nuclear power
  • to counter Iranian aggression