Accession Number:

ADA566908

Title:

Israel: Background and U.S. Relations

Descriptive Note:

Congressional rept.

Corporate Author:

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE

Personal Author(s):

• Zanotti, Jim

Report Date:

2012-11-07

Pagination or Media Count:

40.0

Abstract:

Since Israels founding in 1948, successive U.S. Presidents and many Members of Congress have demonstrated a commitment to Israels security and to maintaining close U.S.-Israel defense, diplomatic, and economic cooperation. U.S. and Israeli leaders have pursued common security goals and have developed close relations based on common perceptions of shared democratic values and religious affinities. U.S. policymakers often seek to determine how regional events and U.S. policy choices may affect Israels security, and Congress provides active oversight of executive branch dealings with Israel and the broader Middle East. Some Members of Congress and some analysts criticize what they perceive as U.S. support of Israel without sufficient scrutiny of its actions. Other than Afghanistan, Israel is the leading recipient of U.S. foreign aid and is a frequent purchaser of major U.S. weapons systems. The United States and Israel maintain close security cooperation -- predicated on a U.S. commitment to maintain Israels qualitative military edge over other countries in its region. The two countries signed a free trade agreement in 1985, and the United States is Israels largest trading partner. Despite its unstable regional environment, Israel has developed a robust diversified economy and a vibrant democracy. Political debates are being shaped in new ways by population increases among Jewish ultra-Orthodox and Russian-speaking communities and Israels Arab citizens. Many analysts assert that national elections scheduled for January 22, 2013 will probably result in another government coalition headed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Initial reports indicate that the campaign will focus largely on Israels handling of the Iran and Palestinian issues -- including coordination on these issues with the United States -- as well as the economy.

Descriptors:

• *CONFLICT
• *FOREIGN POLICY
• *GEOPOLITICS
• *INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
• *ISRAEL
• *SECURITY
• *UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
• COOPERATION
• DEMOCRACY
• EGYPT
• FOREIGN AID
• FOREIGN MILITARY SALES
• GOVERNMENT(FOREIGN)
• INSTABILITY
• INTERNATIONAL TRADE
• IRAN
• LEADERSHIP
• MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN)
• NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION
• SYRIA

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Military Forces and Organizations
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Nuclear Weapons

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE