The Making of an Ally: the sources and history of Israel – US Special Relations
The study of the Israeli-American relations is heavily influenced by a statement made by President John F. Kennedy in December 1962, according to which “The United States has a special relationship with Israel.” The talk will discuss the sources and history of the ‘special relations’ between the two countries. It will argue that in the heart of these relations lay the American view of Zionism and Israel which is based on deep religious and idealistic sentiments and values. These sentiments and values allowed Zionist and Israeli leaders and diplomats to create close, almost intimate relations with American presidents and high-ranking officials, and to create a deep web of ties that served the interests of both countries. Religions and ideals were the constant in these relations, while interests were the variant. Thus, the interests have changed from time to time, and from time to time conflicts of interest created tensions, but the constant, the proximity that was based on religious and idealistic sentiments and values, was the dominant and decisive factor that decided the nature and course of the Israel-American relations for years, and probably still is.
Chowen Lecture Theatre
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
University of Sussex Campus
Brighton
BN1 9PX
This is a free, open lecture – everyone is welcome, but numbers are limited.
Refreshments provided.