The Last Days of Likud: The American-Israeli Big Chill

Abstract

When Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens arrived in Washington in mid-March, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom around the Tidal Basin, heralding the arrival of a pleasant spring day. The American-born Arens must also have been hoping that the mild weather would also signal the warming of the relationship between Israel and its historical ally. Not long ago, the visit of an Israeli defense minister to Washington would have included an impressive ceremony at the Pentagon, discussions on coproduction of new weapons systems and intelligence sharing, and sweeping statements on moves towards strengthening ties between the two countries. But for Arens, who had served as ambassador in Washington when the strategic alliance was at its height, the contrast between the past images and present realities could not have been more striking. Indeed, the U.S. administration seemed bent on embarrassing him and his government, with growing tensions and anti-Israeli press leaks that literally drove Arens out of town.