重启美以联盟

RESETTING THE U.S.-ISRAELALLIANCEMICHAEL EISENSTADTFEBRUARY 5,2015COMMENTARYThere are many who disparage the U.S.-Israel alliance,calling it counter-productive to U.S.interests and stability in theMiddle East.Richard Klass is one of those who take this view,as he revealed in a recent article forWar in the Rocks,in which he argued that Israel was becoming a strategic liability for the United States.His argument,however,is basedon a series of dubious assumptions and unfounded assertions about the relationship and Middle Eastern political realities.It is therefore no surprise that the policy recommendations that result are flawed.America and IsraelKlass takes a minimalist view of the benefits to the United States of its alliance with Israel.But the reality is that,relativeto its small size,few countries contribute in so many diverse and significant ways to Americas ability to meet the hardsecurity(military)and soft security(cyber,economic competitiveness,and sustainability)challenges of today and thefuture.In each of these areas,Israel punches way above its weight.And while the relationship is in no way symmetricalthe United States has provided Israel with indispensablediplomatic,econ