Presidential Embrace: How US Presidents' Involvement Shaped Israeli Politics

i24NEWS correspondent to the US, Yigal Ravid, reviews the history of US presidential interventions in Israeli elections, from Bill Clinton to the Republican establishment supporting Netanyahu. The article describes how each president tried to advance their policy in the region, referencing Bush's letter of guarantees, tensions under Obama, and the alliance with Republicans.

i24NEWS correspondent to the US, Yigal Ravid, reviews the history of US presidential involvement in Israeli elections, from Bill Clinton to the present day. The article describes how each American president tried to advance their policy in the region, understanding that the identity of the Israeli prime minister is critical to White House interests. Notable events include George W. Bush's letter of guarantees to Ariel Sharon in 2004, tensions during Barack Obama's tenure that peaked around the Iran nuclear deal, and Benjamin Netanyahu's bet on open support for Mitt Romney. The article notes that today the boundaries of diplomatic involvement are blurring, and that support from the White House may affect not only the outcome of Israeli elections but also the remainder of the US president's term.