The Israel Lobby and its Influence in US Foreign Policy: Case Study of Peace Process in Middle East

Abstract

Does the Israel lobby directly influence US foreign policy? If yes, is the influence sufficient enough to affect policy outcomes? My hypothesis is that the Israel lobby has significant influence on US foreign policy; it has the ability to influence policy outcomes in favor of the interest of Israel1. US foreign policy is being used as a tool by the Israel lobby to protect Israel’s interest. .It is an observable fact that there is a special relationship between Israel and United States.From the recognition of Israel in 1948 by President Harry Truman to the dramatic increase in power of the Jewish state thanks to direct military and economic aid by United States. Israel is the single largest receiver of aid from United States (More than $3 billion per year, $500 per Israeli citizen)2. This unique relationship gives birth to many sub-questions that are answered along the course of this research paper. These questions include, What is the rationale behind the great amount of military and economic aid to Israel by United States? 1S.M. Walt and John J. Mearsheimer, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy [New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006], 123-124. 2Efraim Karsh, “The 60-Year War for Israel’s History”, InFocus, accessed December 20, 2012, http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/article/1096 Is this special relationship in line with the national interest of United States? What is the reason behind the existence of AIPAC (America Israel Public Affairs Committee) and why was it termed second most powerful lobby in United States by National Journal’s survey of Congress in 2005? These questions gives rise to the alternate hypotheses which looks into other factors that could help explain the unconditional support of United States for Israel. These factors include Israel being a strategic asset for United States in the Middle East and the shared values or moral considerations as a driving force of support for Israel3.