As the Alzheimer-in-Chief confirms for all to see what critics have long claimed, and Democrats now can no longer deny, the Israeli government needs to make strategic adjustments for the “day after” Dementia Joe

President Biden’s stumbling, bumbling and mumbling debate performance has sparked widespread calls for his replacement even among erstwhile supporters, raising concerns about the stability of U.S. foreign policy. The Middle East, historically sensitive to shifts in American leadership, stands at a critical juncture. For Israel, America’s closest ally in the region, the potential fallout demands a strategic reassessment of its policies and alliances especially during an existential war.

The immediate concern for Israel is the continuity of U.S. support. Biden’s administration has been instrumental in reinforcing the Abraham Accords and in navigating the delicate balance between supporting Israel’s security needs and addressing Palestinian aspirations. A sudden change in U.S. leadership could disrupt these efforts, potentially emboldening adversaries like Iran and altering the dynamics with key regional players such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Even a brief period of progressive rule could imperil the Jewish State’s existence.

Israel was barely addressed in the debate. Trump deflected a question about support for a Palestinian State. He accused Biden of being a “bad Palestinian” and called on Israeli to finish Hamas quickly. Biden was incoherent, claiming that he “saved Israel” in apparent reference to the supporting role the US played when Iran send 300+ projectiles toward Israel, ignoring that his policy of rapprochement and largest in releasing billions contributed to Iranian aggression.

Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, underscores the gravity of the situation: “Israel relies heavily on consistent U.S. policy. Any perception of American political instability could encourage Iran to test boundaries, complicate peace negotiations, and weaken the regional alliances we have worked hard to build.” Instability? Biden could barely get off the stage without Jill’s help. And in a post-debate event, POTUS looked like a feeble-minded grinning idiot as his wife congratulated him for answering every question. OMG. It’s all out in the open now.

It’s not just: who will run in November? It’s: who will run the country NOW?

Strategic Adaptations for Israel

Israel must consider several adaptive strategies to mitigate potential impacts:

1. Strengthening Regional Alliances: Israel should continue to deepen its ties with Gulf states, independent of U.S. facilitation. Enhanced bilateral relations with the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia can serve as a buffer against any wavering American support.
2. Diversifying International Partnerships: While the U.S. remains Israel’s most critical ally, expanding relationships with other global powers such as India, Japan, and European nations can provide additional diplomatic and economic support.
3. Domestic Preparedness: Israel must ensure its military and intelligence capabilities are robust enough to handle increased threats, particularly from Iran and its proxies. Accelerating technological advancements and maintaining a state of high readiness are crucial.
4. Engaging Across the U.S. Political Spectrum: Israel should bolster its engagement with both Democratic and Republican leaders to ensure bipartisan support remains strong. Maintaining open channels of communication with key influencers in Washington can help navigate potential policy shifts. If the Democrats choose a progressive replacement, or allow Kamala Harris to take over, that’s trouble.
5. Public Diplomacy: Enhancing public diplomacy efforts to highlight Israel’s strategic importance and shared values with the U.S. can foster broader support among the American populace, which in turn can influence political stability and continuity in foreign policy.

Considering Trump’s Return

Another aspect Israel must weigh is the increasing likelihood of former President Donald Trump returning to power. Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, facilitated the Abraham Accords and took a hardline stance against Iran. Some Israeli officials and analysts suggest waiting for a potential Trump administration could offer more favorable conditions. Many in Israel will be tempted to wait for his return.

Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, comments, “While Trump’s policies were highly beneficial to Israel, relying solely on his return is a risky strategy. Israel must prepare for all scenarios, ensuring its security and diplomatic initiatives are not overly dependent on any single U.S. administration.”

Opposing a Progressive Candidate

In contrast, the emergence of a progressive candidate like Senator Bernie Sanders poses a significant threat to Israel’s strategic interests. Sanders has been vocal about rebalancing U.S. policy in the Middle East, advocating for greater consideration of Palestinian rights and criticizing Israeli government actions. His presidency could lead to a drastic shift in U.S. policy, potentially reducing military aid to Israel and increasing pressure for concessions in peace negotiations.

Given these stakes, Israel must go all-in against this possibility:

1. Political Mobilization: Israel must work closely with pro-Israel lobbying groups in the U.S. to counter the influence of progressive candidates. This includes supporting moderate and conservative candidates who are more likely to maintain strong U.S.-Israel relations.
2. Intensified Diplomacy: Engaging directly with influential American policymakers, think tanks, and media outlets to emphasize the risks associated with a progressive shift in U.S. policy. Highlighting Israel’s security concerns and the destabilizing potential of reduced support can sway public and political opinion.
3. Strategic Alliances: Strengthening ties with other U.S. allies who share concerns about progressive policies, creating a coalition of countries advocating for continued robust support for Israel.
4. Public Outreach: Launching a comprehensive public relations campaign in the U.S. to educate voters on the importance of a stable and secure Israel. This includes leveraging social media, grassroots movements, and influential figures to build broad-based support.
5. Economic and Military Readiness: Preparing for potential reductions in U.S. aid by bolstering economic resilience and seeking alternative sources of military support, ensuring Israel’s defense capabilities remain uncompromised.

The Biden debate debacle underscores the need for Israel to remain vigilant and proactive. While the political landscape in Washington is unpredictable, Israel’s strategic foresight and adaptability can ensure it remains a resilient and indispensable ally in a volatile region.

Israel must navigate this period cautiously, leveraging its strengths and preparing for a range of outcomes. The essence of Israeli policy in the face of U.S. political uncertainty lies in flexibility, foresight, and unyielding commitment to its security and diplomatic objectives.