It takes hard work to keep a marriage strong. The same is true, apparently, for maintaining healthy bilateral relations between the United States and Israel. Thus it was good to see President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu overcome their mutual antipathy this week and hold constructive talks.
After the Nov. 9 private meeting in the Oval Office, Netanyahu called the dialogue “one of the best” they’d ever had. The president reportedly did not press Netanyahu on freezing settlement construction, and Netanyahu did not needle Obama on his championing of the controversial Iran nuclear agreement, which is now a done deal.
Despite the two leaders’ famously rocky relationship, the United States has all along sustained solid ties with Israel in terms of trade, cultural exchanges, military support and intelligence sharing. Those key areas remain strong after the summit this week, with the groundwork laid for the next 10 years of aid and cooperation.
That includes a likely increase in military aid, up from $3 billion per year, though it is not clear whether Israel will receive the full $5 billion Netanyahu requested. A new memorandum of understanding on the matter will be completed next year.
Considering the undisguised animosity between the leaders for much of the year — largely fueled by their disagreement over the Iranian nuclear deal — it is a relief that both sides have returned to the basics of the two countries’ historically close relationship.
That relationship is more important than ever. Despite the deal, Iran still poses dangers to the region, with its meddling in Syria and Lebanon and its support for Hezbollah, Hamas and other terror groups. ISIS is practically at Israel’s doorstep. Russian fighter jets are flying perilously close to the Jewish state. Random Palestinian stabbings continue daily.
This is no time for America to distance itself from its strongest ally in the Middle East.
It’s likely that the U.S.-Israel relationship will experience a few more bumps in the road before the end of the Obama presidency. But for now, both nations’ leaders are playing nice and setting the stage for a smooth transition to the next American administration.
Whether or not Obama and Netanyahu still dislike each other in their hearts is immaterial. What’s important is the bond between the two nations. After this week’s talks, it seems clear that remains unshakable.