American Presidents and Israeli Settlements since 1967

The Trump administration's policy toward Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem is not an aberration but the culmination of over 50 years of American foreign policy. Presidents have opposed settlement activity based on their illegality, but domestic pressure and America's special relationship with Israel have prevented serious action.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Since Lyndon B. Johnson, this book makes the case that the Trump administration's approach to Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem is not an outlier but rather the culmination of more than 50 years of American foreign policy. The United States rhetorically backed the applicability of international law concerning Israeli settlements during the Johnson administration. However, administrations did little to stop the building and expansion of settlements throughout the 1970s. Furthermore, presidents sent conflicting messages about Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territories. When Reagan claimed that settlements were not unlawful, the Israeli settlement movement gained traction. American presidents have opposed settlement activity to varying degrees ever since, but not because they are illegal. Instead, presidents have characterized them as foolish, unhelpful, or impediments to peace. Even when presidents have had the chance to directly address Israeli settlements, domestic pressure and America's special relationship with Israel have prevented serious action beyond rhetoric and condemnation.

This book will be of interest to scholars and students of American foreign policy, American-Israeli relations, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Weight: 603g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032262178