U.S. Secretary of State James Baker told former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir to "call us when you're serious" In the early 1990s. Under the current Republican administration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump remain in contact, though less frequently than before.
Tensions have emerged in White House-Prime Minister's Office relations since the Iran conflict intensified. The president's inner circle has grown more restricted, limiting Israeli access. American officials have signaled they are directing the regional conflict while Israel assumes a secondary role.
Vice President JD Vance stated that "Israel's standing in America is not good, and I don't think anyone can dispute that." Vance has positioned himself in the "sensible center" Between those viewing Israel as a problem and those seeing it as an asset. Trump's silence on the matter is noteworthy.
Recent developments have reinforced this dynamic. Trump granted Saudi Arabia a civilian nuclear program it long sought - a move contrary to Israel's position and without the broader package deal Israel had sought. Biden's administration had withheld a similar move to link it to the Abraham Accords. The decision to lift sanctions on Syria similarly eliminated prospects for securing a peace agreement with Israel. Meanwhile, delivery of Israel's official prime ministerial aircraft continues to face repeated delays.
The Israeli public remains largely focused on domestic concerns - summer vacations and religious community issues - rather than regional military developments, despite U.S. Military action against Iran and bombardment affecting Jordan and Gulf states. Flight disruptions at Ben-Gurion International Airport from aircraft refueling represent the most visible local impact.
Security-focused public agendas typically benefit Likud, while domestic agendas disadvantage it. Netanyahu insisted on retaining the option to cancel Likud primaries during security incidents - a provision observers suggest will not remain theoretical.