America’s bond with Israel — its history and its current challenges

The US and Israel just signed a memorandum of understanding that guarantees $38 billion in aid to Israel over 10 years. The MOU was signed despite tensions between President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In this episode of America Abroad, we take a look at America's relationship with Israel. We explore the strategic history of the relationship, the base of support in the American public, and ways in which the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is causing an erosion of support among progressives. We also seek to answer what all of this might mean for the future of the relationship.

Guests:

Elliott Abrams: Senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies, Council on Foreign Relations 
Jeremy Ben-Ami: President, J-Street
Josh Block: CEO and President, The Israel Project 
Steven M. Cohen: Sociologist and research professor, Hebrew Union college
Trent Franks: Congressman of Arizona's 8th congressional district
Ilan Goldenberg: Middle East Security Director, Center for a New American Security
Jill Jacobs: Executive Director, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
Richard Land: President, Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina
Tzipi Livni: Former Foreign Minister of Israel and Chairman of the Hatnuah party
David Makovsky: Senior fellow, Washington Institute for Near East Policy 
Michael Makovsky: U.S. National Security Expert, The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
Yousef Munayyer: Executive Director, US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation
Aaron David Miller: Vice President for New Initiatives, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Robert Nicholson: Executive Director, Philos Project
Michael Oren: Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, serves as Deputy Minister for Diplomacy
Dennis Ross: Former diplomat, served under Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Clinton
Jonathan Schanzer: Vice President of Research, Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Shibley Telhami: Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development, University of Maryland

America Abroad is an award-winning documentary radio program that takes an in-depth look at one critical issue in international affairs and US foreign policy every month. You can follow us on Facebook, talk to us on Twitter, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for updates.