Publication

This paper examines the role of US-Israel relations following the Israeli elections in January 2013. The author argues that the new Israeli Government shows few signs of moderating the approach to the Palestinian issue. West Bank settlers have been incorporated into mainstream politics and religious-secular and socioeconomic issues are more of a concern than a two-state solution. Although US leverage over Israel on the future of a Palestinian state is relatively weak, President Obama's visit has enhanced his image among the Israeli public. This will help improve US-Israel coordination regarding Iran and foster cooperation with Israel, Turkey and Jordan in containing the negative spillovers from the conflict in Syria.