A Lobby, Not a Conspiracy

Some international critics suggest that Israel wields too much influence when it comes to US foreign policy. An essay assessing Israel-as-lobbyist, published in March by the “London Review of Books,” has unleashed raucous debate about the nature and purpose of the US-Israel relationship. The essay makes two claims: first, that uncritical support of Israel does not always serve US interests and that, second, a domestic lobby promoting Israel tends to distort US foreign policy. European scholar Tony Judt argues that the US cannot deny the lobby’s influence over foreign policy, including early support for invading Iraq. A fear of anti-Semitism should not inhibit reasoned analysis about such influences or the consideration of alternatives. Indeed, Israeli journalists have thoroughly covered the essay, raising thought-provoking questions about US support for Israel. As the US confronts a host of pressing foreign policy issues and the dire consequences of the Iraq war, leaders must recognize and weigh the influence of too-powerful lobbyists that represent governments or industries. Judt contends that it is never wrong to question unconditional support for any lobbyist and that international debate can serve a greater good. – YaleGlobal