Israel, Democrats and Republicans

Submitted by Rebecca Moulds (United States), Jan 22, 2009 at 14:59

It's true, we are seeing great support for Israel from Republicans, because traditionally, Republicans are also conservative, and many conservatives are also pro-Israel; there is also a huge pro-Israel and pro-Jewish following from the Christians in this country, even more than the Jewish community, through financial and other support. for Israel. However, I have another take on this: some day, there may be a shift away from support for Israel from the Republicans if Israel can't get its act together. In supporting Israel, there is an oft over-looked support of whatever government is in power. Unfortunately, the current leadership is showing great weakness in finishing what it started, which has supporters scratching their heads and wondering, "Why don't they go the whole length? Why should I keep supporting Israel when their own government doesn't have a plan to win?"

Jonathan Mark also has some thoughts on this (http://www.jewishworldreview.com/jonathanmark_israel_lost.php3)

and although he doesn't discuss Republicans and Democrats, he does reiterate what many of us are asking, which is, if Israel wants continued support from the US and wishes to be recognized as a true state, it had better make a stand and go for it-- no more of these skirmishes that result in thousands dead on the other side but no peace. The blind support that many Republicans give to Israel may soon shift to somewhere in the middle, or end altogether, if Israel doesn't once and for all, finally do the right thing, which is to stop playing war and really win, not by giving away more land or killing more Palestinians, but by proving that it is worth furthering its existence by the positive measure of never again appeasing the enemy. As long as appeasement is looked upon as a solution for peace, Israel will continue in this never-ending battle for existence, and Republicans may have to reassess their reasons for support.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".