Some in Israel Question Its Influence Over U.S. as Iran War Decision Nears

As tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to escalate, some voices within Israel are beginning to question the country’s longstanding influence over U.S. foreign policy. The mounting crisis, marked by increasing military confrontations in the Gulf and fears of an all-out war, has prompted Israeli leaders and analysts to reconsider whether Israel’s relationship with Washington will be enough to steer U.S. policy in the direction they desire.
Historically, Israel has enjoyed a close and influential relationship with the United States, with American support acting as a cornerstone of Israeli security and political strategy. However, as President Joe Biden navigates increasingly complex geopolitical waters—balancing domestic pressures, international diplomacy, and the threat of nuclear escalation with Iran—Israel is finding itself in an uncertain position. In fact, some Israeli officials and analysts are asking whether Israel's influence over U.S. decisions on Iran is as potent as it once was.
Israel's Historical Leverage over the U.S.
For decades, Israel has enjoyed near-unwavering support from Washington, particularly in matters concerning security in the Middle East. From military aid and intelligence-sharing to political backing in the United Nations, the alliance between the two countries has been a pillar of U.S. foreign policy. Israel has been a consistent advocate for aggressive measures against Iran, especially its nuclear program, and has sought to persuade Washington to take a hard-line stance against Tehran.
At the same time, Israel has made it clear that it views Iran as an existential threat, due to Tehran's support for militant groups in the region and its nuclear ambitions. Israeli officials have lobbied for years to ensure that the U.S. takes decisive action to curb Iran’s influence, whether through economic sanctions, military threats, or covert operations.
However, in recent years, especially under President Biden, some analysts are beginning to question whether the close relationship between the U.S. and Israel has begun to fray. Biden, while maintaining support for Israel, has sought to distance the U.S. from the policies of the Trump administration, which was seen as especially favorable to Israeli interests. This has included efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear deal that the Trump administration abandoned in 2018. Israel has vocally opposed the revival of the deal, fearing that it would allow Iran to strengthen its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Biden’s Approach: Balancing Israel and Iran
President Biden’s foreign policy on Iran has thus far focused on diplomacy and de-escalation, seeking to re-enter the JCPOA and prevent further nuclear proliferation. This stance has been met with frustration from Israel, which has pushed for more direct action against Iran. Israeli officials have repeatedly warned that Iran’s nuclear program is progressing rapidly and that diplomacy may not be enough to halt Tehran’s ambitions. Some even argue that a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities may be necessary to prevent the country from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Despite Israel’s concerns, Biden has maintained a cautious approach. While offering military support to Israel in the form of weapons systems like Iron Dome and expanding intelligence cooperation, Biden has also made it clear that he is prioritizing diplomacy with Iran. In part, this is due to domestic political pressures in the U.S., with many in Congress and the public expressing weariness over another Middle Eastern conflict, particularly one that could involve U.S. military intervention.
Biden’s efforts to re-enter the nuclear deal have been complicated by the hard-line stance of Iran’s leadership, as well as a growing sense in the U.S. that Iran is not living up to its commitments under the agreement. This has led to increasing skepticism in Washington, with some lawmakers pushing for stronger measures against Iran, including additional sanctions and military options.
Is Israel Losing Its Grip?
Within Israel, there is a growing sense of unease about the shifting dynamics in U.S.-Israel relations. Some Israeli officials worry that the country’s influence over U.S. decisions on Iran is waning as the Biden administration pursues a more multilateral approach to diplomacy. Israel’s ability to shape U.S. policy may have been stronger during the Trump years, when then-President Donald Trump was a staunch ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his hardline policies on Iran. The U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and the peace agreements brokered through the Abraham Accords all reinforced the perception of Israel’s unassailable influence in Washington.
However, with the Biden administration taking office, Israel’s role in influencing U.S. actions has become more contested. The diplomatic efforts to restore the Iran deal have seen Washington taking a more measured approach, balancing U.S. interests in the region with the growing need for international cooperation on nuclear nonproliferation.
In light of this shift, some Israeli leaders are expressing frustration. “We’ve worked for years to ensure the U.S. stands with us on Iran, but we’re seeing the opposite happen,” said an anonymous Israeli official in an interview with Haaretz. “The Biden administration seems more concerned with appeasing Iran and European allies than with securing our safety.”
Others are concerned that the U.S. is moving toward a more globalist foreign policy, one that seeks to ease tensions in the Middle East and avoid further conflict. This approach, they argue, could leave Israel vulnerable to a nuclear-capable Iran and undermine its strategic advantage in the region.
The Road Ahead: A Crucial Crossroads
As the potential for conflict with Iran looms larger, Israel’s role in shaping U.S. foreign policy on Iran will be tested. Will Israel’s strategic partnership with Washington be enough to sway American decisions, or will the shifting political landscape force Israel to take more unilateral action? With the nuclear threat growing and tensions in the region escalating, the decision on how to deal with Iran could be one of the most pivotal moments in recent U.S.-Israel history.
In the coming months, the situation will likely come to a head as the Biden administration faces increasing pressure to decide on a course of action regarding Iran. Israel, for its part, will continue to advocate for a hardline stance against Tehran, but it may have to confront the reality that its influence over U.S. policy is not as powerful as it once was.
For now, the question remains: Can Israel still count on the United States to prioritize its security, or is the balance of power in U.S.-Israel relations shifting toward a more cautious, multilateral approach to the Middle East?