Shain warns of MAGA rifts eroding US-Israel alliance
Georgetown and Tel Aviv University professor says the strategic and value pillars of the partnership are weakening as Trump's base grows more critical of Israel's influence.
By Jasmine Carter ·
The alliance between the United States and Israel, long considered unshakeable, faces a structural shift as political opposition to Israel deepens within President Donald Trump's political base. Prof. Yossi Shain, an international relations expert at Georgetown University and Tel Aviv University, told 103FM on Tuesday that the relationship is undergoing a paradigm shift that threatens the two pillars of shared values and strategic needs.
For decades, the partnership relied on mutual values and strategic alignment. Shain noted that this foundation is eroding. He explained that American politicians no longer view Israel as a partner sharing their values. This skepticism extends beyond the Democratic Party to prominent figures within the Make America Great Again movement, which forms the core of Trump's support.
The perception of Israel's strategic role is also changing. Following the war with Iran and the conflict in Gaza, Shain said many in the US believe Israel has moved from being a partner to an entity that controls American interests in direct opposition to its own. He described this as an enormous battle over Israel's standing and reputation in Washington.
Shain relayed concerns from close US allies of Israel. He quoted a friend as saying, 'Yossi, you need to do some serious thinking tonight.' This sentiment reflects a growing unease among those who have traditionally supported the alliance.
Despite these warnings, Shain emphasized the tangible security contributions Israel provides. He cited Secretary of War Hegseth, who noted during the recent war that Israeli and American pilots flew shoulder to shoulder on thousands of sorties. Hegseth described this cooperation as unprecedented since World War II, driven by a shared national interest.
However, Shain pointed out that voices within Trump's own party are warning of political costs. He stated that if the president launches a war because of Israel, he risks losing support from Congress, the Senate, and the MAGA movement. These internal divisions have led to a hostile environment for figures associated with strong pro-Israel stances.
Shain observed that the MAGA movement now views neoconservatives, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as toxic. He said the movement identifies them as agents of Israeli manipulation of American interests. This shift marks a departure from previous dynamics within the Republican party.
The debate over financial and military aid is not new, but Shain argued that its politicization is damaging Israel's standing. He warned that Israel has failed to preserve the two pillars of the relationship and maintain support across both chambers of Congress. With China not serving as a viable alternative, Shain stated that there is no substitute for the alliance with America.
