Netanyahu's Political Strategy Has Sacrificed American Jewish Interests for Israeli Gains
Source: Michael A. Cohen. "How Netanyahu Hurt America’s Jews - The Atlantic." April 26, 2026. www.theatlantic.com
The Gist
The author argues that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has thrown American Jews under the bus by choosing to align Israel with Republicans and evangelical Christians instead of maintaining broad American support. This has left American Jews politically isolated and facing increased antisemitism, while Netanyahu focuses only on his own political survival and short-term wins against Iran.
Conclusion
Netanyahu has deliberately pursued a political strategy that prioritizes Israel's short-term interests and his own political survival over the welfare of American Jews, leaving them vulnerable to rising antisemitism and political isolation
Premises
- Netanyahu has systematically aligned Israel with Republican politicians and evangelical Christians rather than maintaining bipartisan support
- His interference in American politics, including the 2015 Congressional speech against Obama's Iran deal, has damaged Israel's bipartisan support
- American Jews are now caught between their traditional liberal political home and their support for Israel, facing increased antisemitic attacks from progressive spaces
- Netanyahu views American Jews as instrumentally useful but ultimately expendable, preferring evangelical Christian support which he sees as more reliable
- His focus on Iran and right-wing Israeli politics has alienated Democratic leaders and voters, creating long-term risks for both Israel and American Jews
- Despite achieving tactical victories like joint US-Israel military action against Iran, Netanyahu shows no concern for the growing antisemitism affecting American Jews
Assumptions
- American Jewish welfare should be a significant concern for Israeli leaders
- Bipartisan American support for Israel is more valuable than partisan Republican support
- Netanyahu's actions are primarily motivated by personal political calculations rather than Israeli national interests
- The traditional alliance between American Jews and the Democratic Party was beneficial for both groups
- Rising antisemitism in America is partly attributable to Netanyahu's polarizing political strategy