Sorry to butt in but I saw my name mentioned and...
There is little doubt that the Jewish lobby in the US presses hard for Israel, as one would expect.
Jews number only around 10 million in the US, but they punch well above their weight in terms of power and influence. That is intended as a compliment.
But, as such, they exert disproportionate influence on policy, whoever is in power over there. That sounds like Jewish conspiracy but is a simple statement of what is. Like pensioners exerting considerable power over here due to their voting habits and numbers.
But for the Republicans there is another greater force that sits in uneasy alliance on Israel with the Jews. 25% of Americans describe themselves as evangelical Christians. Their views on life are wholly contained within the Bible. The Bible said the land was given to the Jews by God. That is it. Black and white. No argument. As such, anything Israel inflicts on the poor Palestinian (Including bombing hospitals, schools, even Christian churches) is mandated by God.
So, retrospective justifications on here about revenge for 9/11, creating a Caliphate, supporting the one island of western democracy etc. do not feature in their thinking. The only consideration is: God said it.
Unlike much of the other 75% of Americans who turn up in dribs and drabs at the polling station, they ALL vote; they ALL vote Republican; and they ALL demand 100% support for whatever Israel does.
Thus, the US gives Israel carte blanche. They cannot be an independent arbiter in this dispute. And unless the world wants to team up and take out the Americans, all it can do is stand by and tut at moderate but respectful volume from time to time.
England
