Yakov Hirsch

This @yairlapid-@bradlander exchange is cringey and entirely predictable. Lapid makes a good faith effort to reach out with the message that he and other Israeli leaders think American progressives want to hear. As much as Yair and these Israeli leaders accurately critique BiBi blind spots about changing U.S. politics, the same Israeli critics have their own blind spots. They genuinely believe that this kind of outreach is what the ascendant American progressive forces want to hear. And, of course — on cue — Lander shuts him down. Everything about this exchange is depressing.

Ten Commitments That Could Truly Transform Israel’s Relationship with America Excellent tweet, But if you genuinely want to repair Israel’s standing in the United States, What Israel needs is not a better public relations campaign. It needs a fundamental change in policy. Here are ten commitments I would encourage you to make publicly that will really make a change in DC: A. Israel cannot and should not permanently occupy another people. The occupation is not a sustainable national strategy. It undermines Israel’s democratic character, its international legitimacy, and ultimately its own security. B. I extend my hand in peace to the Palestinian people. I recognize their right to self-determination and am prepared to engage in serious negotiations toward a political settlement that guarantees security, dignity, and a better future for both peoples. C. I will not pressure the Trump administration into launching another costly and ultimately unsuccessful military campaign against Iran. After two rounds of fighting that failed to achieve their central strategic objectives, it is time to rethink our approach. Preventing a nuclear-armed Iran must remain a priority, but another war without a realistic political endgame is not a strategy. D. Arab citizens of Israel are equal citizens, with equal rights and an equal stake in the country's future. I will not hesitate to work with their elected representatives in the Knesset, and I am prepared to consider including Arab parties in a governing coalition if we can agree on a common political agenda. E. My vision is an Israel defined by prosperity, security, and peace, not endless territorial expansion and permanent conflict. Israel will not permanently occupy Gaza or annex the West Bank. I will work closely with President Trump to fully implement his peace plan in a manner that benefits Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader international community. F. Israel has no ambition to determine who governs Lebanon or to occupy Lebanese territory. Once Israel's legitimate security requirements are met, we will withdraw to an internationally recognized, secure border and work toward a sustainable security arrangement. G. The same principle applies to Syria. Israel has no territorial ambitions in Syria and no desire to dictate who governs Damascus. Our objective is a secure border, enforceable security arrangements, and long-term regional stability. H. I will make rebuilding Israel's relationships with Egypt and Jordan a strategic priority. These peace treaties are among Israel's greatest diplomatic achievements. Let me be absolutely clear: neither Jordan nor Egypt is an alternative homeland for the Palestinian people. Israel will not support forced displacement or policies designed to transfer Palestinians into either country. I. Israel should aspire to a relationship with the United States that is increasingly based on mutual investment, innovation, and shared strategic interests rather than dependence on American taxpayer assistance. I will propose a joint US-Israel investment fund to advance major initiatives in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, energy, and scientific research, generating tangible benefits for both societies. J. I will deliver precisely the same message to European leaders. Israel wants to rebuild trust with its European partners through responsible policies, respect for international law, renewed diplomatic engagement, and a genuine commitment to peace. + Israel will fight terrorism in all its forms, without exception or double standards, including Jewish terrorism and violence against innocent Palestinians. Terrorism is terrorism, regardless of who commits it. No individual or group will be above the law, and those responsible will be held accountable. The rule of law must apply equally to everyone.. The bottom line: If you want to restore bipartisan support for Israel in Washington, rebuild trust with younger Americans, and reverse Israel's deteriorating international standing, you must first confront the policies that helped create this crisis. The problem is not that Israeli politicians are failing to explain themselves effectively in English. The problem is what they are defending. You cannot continue supporting permanent occupation, settlement expansion, endless wars, and the political exclusion of Arab citizens while expecting American public opinion to move in your favor. Israel does not need a better salesman in Washington. It needs a different policy in Jerusalem. #israel #us