10  Foreign Policy

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10.1 Geopolitical Alliances

📖 Israel has a history of maintaining close alliances with Western powers, particularly the United States, to ensure its security and diplomatic support.

10.1.1 item Israel’s geopolitical alliances are rooted in a deep sense of insecurity and vulnerability.

  • rationale:
    • Israel’s existence has been constantly under threat since its inception. The country has fought multiple wars with its Arab neighbors and has been the target of numerous terrorist attacks. This has led Israel to develop a strong military and to seek close alliances with other countries to ensure its security.

10.1.2 item Israel sees the United States as its most important ally.

  • rationale:
    • The United States has been Israel’s strongest supporter since its founding. The two countries have a deep economic, military, and cultural relationship. The United States provides Israel with billions of dollars in aid each year, and the two countries cooperate closely on security and intelligence matters.

10.1.3 item Israel is willing to make concessions to maintain its alliances.

  • rationale:
    • Israel knows that it cannot survive without the support of its allies. As a result, it is willing to make concessions to maintain these relationships. For example, Israel has agreed to limit its settlements in the West Bank in order to maintain good relations with the United States.

10.1.4 item Israel is cautious about forming alliances with countries that have a history of anti-Semitism.

  • rationale:
    • Anti-Semitism has been a persistent problem for Israel throughout its history. As a result, Israel is cautious about forming alliances with countries that have a history of anti-Semitism. For example, Israel has been reluctant to form close ties with Russia because of Russia’s history of anti-Semitism.

10.1.5 item Israel is a strong supporter of international law.

  • rationale:
    • Israel believes that international law is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the world. Israel is a member of the United Nations and is a party to many international treaties. Israel also supports the International Criminal Court.

10.2 Regional Security

📖 Israel places a high priority on maintaining a strong military and intelligence apparatus to deter potential threats from neighboring countries and terrorist organizations.

10.2.1 item Israel is a small country surrounded by hostile neighbors.

  • rationale:
    • Israel’s relatively small size and its proximity to countries that have been historically hostile or uncooperative, such as Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, has contributed to a sense of vulnerability and a belief that a strong military is necessary for self-defense.

10.2.2 item Israel’s military superiority is essential for its survival.

  • rationale:
    • Israel’s experience with wars and conflicts with its neighbors has reinforced the belief that maintaining a strong and technologically advanced military is crucial for deterring potential attacks and ensuring the country’s security.

10.2.3 item Israel should be prepared for war at all times.

  • rationale:
    • The history of the region and the ongoing security threats faced by Israel have led to a constant state of readiness and a belief that the country must be prepared for any potential military conflict.

10.2.4 item Intelligence gathering and covert operations are essential for Israel’s security.

  • rationale:
    • Israel’s intelligence agencies, such as the Mossad, play a vital role in gathering information about potential threats and carrying out covert operations to neutralize or disrupt them, contributing to Israel’s security efforts.

10.2.5 item Israel should cooperate with other countries in the region to enhance regional stability.

  • rationale:
    • In recent years, Israel has sought to improve its relations with some Arab countries, recognizing that regional cooperation can contribute to reducing tensions and promoting stability in the Middle East.

10.3 Palestinian Conflict

📖 The ongoing conflict with the Palestinians is a major factor shaping Israeli foreign policy, with efforts focused on finding a balance between security concerns and the pursuit of a peaceful solution.

10.3.1 item Israel’s security is paramount, and no concessions should be made that could jeopardize it.

  • rationale:
    • Israel has a long history of being surrounded by hostile neighbors, and many Israelis believe that the country’s survival depends on maintaining a strong military and a secure border.

10.3.2 item The Palestinians are not a reliable negotiating partner, and any agreement with them will likely be broken.

  • rationale:
    • Israelis have experienced several failed peace processes with the Palestinians, and many believe that the Palestinians are not interested in a genuine peace settlement.

10.3.3 item The international community is biased against Israel and does not understand the country’s security concerns.

  • rationale:
    • Israelis often feel that the international community is unfairly critical of Israel and does not take into account the country’s security needs.

10.3.4 item Israel should not withdraw from the West Bank until the Palestinians have proven that they are capable of governing themselves.

  • rationale:
    • Many Israelis believe that a Palestinian state would be a threat to Israel’s security, and that Israel should not withdraw from the West Bank until the Palestinians have demonstrated that they can govern themselves peacefully.

10.3.5 item Israel has the right to build settlements in the West Bank, which is disputed territory.

  • rationale:
    • Many Israelis believe that the West Bank is part of the biblical Land of Israel, and that Israel has the right to settle there.

10.4 Economic Diplomacy

📖 Israel actively engages in economic diplomacy, using its technological advancements and economic strength to forge partnerships and promote cooperation with other countries.

10.4.1 item Israel views economic diplomacy as a key pillar of its foreign policy, believing that economic cooperation fosters stronger relationships and mutual benefits.

  • rationale:
    • Israel’s limited natural resources and small domestic market make it reliant on international trade and cooperation. Economic diplomacy allows Israel to access new markets, acquire essential goods and services, and build strategic partnerships.

10.4.2 item Israel’s technological prowess and innovation serve as valuable assets in economic diplomacy, enabling it to offer unique expertise and solutions to partner countries.

  • rationale:
    • Israel’s advanced industries, particularly in sectors such as cybersecurity, water management, and agriculture, provide valuable knowledge and technologies that are in high demand globally.

10.4.3 item Economic diplomacy allows Israel to promote its national interests and influence decision-making in international forums.

  • rationale:
    • By engaging in economic partnerships, Israel can leverage its economic strength to advocate for its positions on political and security issues, shaping international agendas and fostering support for its policies.

10.4.4 item Israel actively seeks to diversify its economic partnerships, avoiding over-reliance on any single country or region.

  • rationale:
    • Diversification reduces economic risks and vulnerabilities, ensures access to different markets, and strengthens Israel’s strategic position in the global economy.

10.4.5 item Economic diplomacy complements Israel’s traditional focus on military and diplomatic measures, providing a comprehensive approach to foreign policy.

  • rationale:
    • By combining economic, military, and diplomatic tools, Israel aims to maximize its influence, enhance its security, and foster a favorable international environment for its continued development and prosperity.

10.5 International Organizations

📖 Israel has a complex relationship with international organizations, such as the United Nations, due to ongoing tensions and political disputes.

10.5.1 item Israel’s complex relationship with international organizations stems from its unique historical and political circumstances.

  • rationale:
    • Israel’s establishment as a Jewish state in a region with a largely Muslim population has created ongoing tensions and disputes. These tensions have influenced Israel’s interactions with international organizations, such as the United Nations.

10.5.2 item Israel values its independence and sovereignty.

  • rationale:
    • Israelis have a strong sense of national identity and self-reliance. They are proud of their country’s achievements and are determined to maintain their independence.

10.5.3 item Israel seeks international recognition and support.

  • rationale:
    • Israel is a relatively small country with limited resources. It relies on international support to maintain its security and economy.

10.5.4 item Israel is willing to defend its interests.

  • rationale:
    • Israelis are aware of the threats facing their country and are prepared to use military force to defend themselves.

10.5.5 item Israel believes in dialogue and cooperation.

  • rationale:
    • Israelis are open to dialogue and cooperation with other countries, but they are also realistic about the challenges of peacemaking in the Middle East.