Book contents
- The Strained Alliance
- The Strained Alliance
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1First Encounters, 1989–1990
- 2‘Lay Aside, Once and for All, the Unrealistic Vision of a Greater Israel’
- 3On the Brink of a New World, August 1990–1991
- 41991
- 5The Bumpy Road to Madrid, 1991
- 61992
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
1 - First Encounters, 1989–1990
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 October 2025
Book contents
- The Strained Alliance
- The Strained Alliance
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1First Encounters, 1989–1990
- 2‘Lay Aside, Once and for All, the Unrealistic Vision of a Greater Israel’
- 3On the Brink of a New World, August 1990–1991
- 41991
- 5The Bumpy Road to Madrid, 1991
- 61992
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
The early years of the George H. W. Bush administration (1989-1990) marked a complex phase in US-Israel relations, shaped by political pragmatism, ideological tensions, and shifting diplomatic priorities. Although Bush did not initially appear as supportive of Israel as some predecessors, his administration maintained strong strategic ties. Friction arose over Israeli settlements, the US-PLO dialogue, and the broader peace process. Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir’s rigid ideology and mistrust of Bush’s team added further strain. Secretary of State James Baker and Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney played central roles, balancing diplomacy with strategic concerns. This study examines how political ideology, personal dynamics, and international pressures influenced policy decisions. It highlights the significance of settlement debates, evolving US views on the Palestinians, and the growing role of Christian Zionism in shaping American foreign policy. These early encounters set the tone for a turbulent yet enduring partnership.
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- The Strained AllianceGeorge H. W. Bush, Yitzhak Shamir, and the US–Israel Special Relationship, pp. 7 - 58Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025
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