Former United States secretaries of state Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo have downplayed the potential end of American military aid to Israel, emphasizing that such a development would not harm US-Israel ties. Speaking at the Jewish Federations of North America's annual General Assembly, both men defended Israel's security and its need to defend itself following the Hamas attack on October 7. They condemned voices that try to equate Israel's actions with those of Hamas and accuse it of committing "genocide".
Blinken, who was secretary of state in the Biden administration, also criticized Jerusalem's conduct of the war, stating that Israel did the "bare minimum" to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He added that there was a "certain amount of disregard, a certain amount of disdain for the well-being of the Palestinian civilians". However, he emphasized that Israel's target was Hamas, and that too many people were caught in the middle and suffered terribly as a consequence.
Pompeo, who served as Central Intelligence Agency director and secretary of state during the first Trump administration, noted that calls to change the nature of US military aid have become "bipartisan". He stated that he is "very optimistic" that US-Israel ties will endure, regardless of whether the $4 billion annual aid is provided. Pompeo emphasized that the relationship between the US and Israel is historically important, not just for Israel, but for the US as well.
The two former secretaries of state differed on the conflict with Iran and a future resolution to the Palestinian issue. Pompeo stated that he does not think it is possible to negotiate a settlement with the Iranian regime, and that the US should continue to apply pressure through the current economic blockade. Blinken, on the other hand, stated that concessions, possibly including sanctions relief, may be needed to bring the Iranians back to the table.
Blinken argued that part of why Hamas attacked on October 7 was to preempt the further expansion of the Abraham Accords, and that resolving the Palestinian question is crucial for the accords' success. He believes that the only way forward is through a secure Israel and a sovereign Palestine. Pompeo drew pushback from Blinken, arguing that one of the keys to the success of the Abraham Accords was not letting the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians hold things back.
The current memorandum of understanding between Israel and the US pledges Israel $3.8 billion annually for the fiscal years 2019-2028, subject to congressional appropriations. However, President Donald Trump has questioned why his administration should have to deal with criticism from Democrats over the issue, and Vice-President JD Vance has called for changing the US relationship with Israel.
Despite potential aid cuts, Blinken and Pompeo emphasized that US-Israel ties will endure. They noted that Israel's intelligence has been helpful in saving American lives, and that the partnership between the two countries is historically important. The two former secretaries of state agreed that the relationship between the US and Israel will remain strong, regardless of the outcome of the current debates over military aid.
Key points
- The US-Israel relationship will endure despite potential military aid cuts.
- Blinken and Pompeo differ on the conflict with Iran and a future resolution to the Palestinian issue.
- The current memorandum of understanding between Israel and the US pledges Israel $3.8 billion annually for the fiscal years 2019-2028.
