Labour, Likud, the ‘special relationship’ and the peace process, 1988–96

Israel and the United States are often said to be participants in a 'Special
Relationship'. Like other states that have a close relationship with the
United States, Israel has maintained strong ties with various US
administrations and the military industrial complex. Still, one of the key
factors distinguishing the relationship from normal state-to-state
relations are the strong and politically fruitful relations which the
government of Israel maintains beyond these governmental bounds.
The core of this relationship is with the organized American Jewish
community, but it also incorporates Gentile groups and Congressmen
who come together to make up a pro-Israel community. It is in regard
to these groups that this essay will refer to a Special Relationship
between Israel and the United States.
Traditionally, the pro-Israel community in the US has raised money
for Israel and lobbied Congress to support Israel both politically and
economically. Generally, this community accepted that when it came to
existential issues such as Israeli national security, it was Israel's
prerogative to determine its own fate; concerned outsiders should
either be supportive of the Israeli government or keep silent. Similarly,
Israelis generally accepted that their domestic political disagreements
should not be aired in the US, where a united Israeli front should be
presented. Until the mid-1980s this arrangement ran relatively
smoothly and there was a consensus as to the respective roles of Israel
and the pro-Israel community in the US. However, with the coming to
power of a National Unity government in Israel in 1984, this consensus
was challenged. Labour and Likud, the senior partners in the coalition,
were divided over the peace process. As a result the Israeli government
effectively pursued two foreign policies and this helped to undermine
the presentation of a solid united Israeli front in the United States.