Georgetown professor flags erosion of US Israel alliance in MAGA base

Yossi Shain, an international relations professor at Georgetown University and Tel Aviv University, stated on Tuesday that the relationship between the United States and Israel is undergoing a fundamental change. He told 103FM that the long-standing definition of the tie as a special partnership based on shared values and strategic needs is now facing challenges from within the political base of President Donald Trump.

Shain noted that for decades the alliance rested on two main pillars. The first was a mutual understanding of common values. The second was the recognition that Israel served as a critical strategic asset for Washington. He said that both foundations are currently being tested by prominent figures in the Make America Great Again movement, which forms the core of Trump’s political support.

The professor explained that American perceptions of Israel’s strategic role have shifted. Following the recent conflict with Iran and the earlier war in Gaza, many in the US are questioning whether Israel still acts in America’s best interest. Some now view the relationship as one where Israel has taken control of American interests in direct opposition to Washington’s own national goals. Shain described this as a major fight over Israel’s standing and reputation in the West.

Shain shared concerns voiced by some of Israel’s strongest allies in the US. He recalled a conversation where a supporter told him, “Yossi, you need to do some serious thinking tonight.” He said this sentiment reflects a growing worry that the traditional support network is loosening. He emphasized that while the alliance remains essential, the internal dynamics of the US political system are changing in ways that affect Israel’s position.

The professor pointed to recent military cooperation as evidence of the alliance’s continuing strength. He cited remarks by Secretary of War Hegseth during the war, who noted that Israeli and American pilots flew together on thousands of sorties. Hegseth compared the coordination to joint operations not seen since World War II. Shain used this example to argue that Israel still provides a unique security contribution to the United States.

However, Shain warned that political voices within Trump’s own camp are pushing back. He said some members of the MAGA movement are telling the president that if he launches a war because of Israel, he risks losing support in Congress, the Senate, and his base. These voices are framing the relationship as a potential liability rather than an asset. Shain said this creates pressure on the administration to reconsider its posture toward Jerusalem.

The professor also addressed internal divisions within the Republican movement. He said that while some neoconservatives in the White House still support Israel, the broader MAGA movement has begun to view such figures with suspicion. He named Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as examples of individuals now labeled as toxic by some in the movement. Critics in the base describe them as agents of Israeli influence manipulating American policy.

Shain argued that these political shifts have tangible consequences for the relationship. He said that under the pressure of growing hostility, Israel has struggled to maintain its support in both houses of Congress. He noted that the debate over American financial and military aid to Israel is not new, but it has become more politicized in recent years. He said this politicization is damaging Israel’s standing more than the actual level of aid.

The professor concluded that the alliance with the US remains vital because China cannot serve as a substitute partner. He said that if the two pillars of the relationship continue to erode, Israel could find itself in a difficult position internationally. He stressed that the current challenges require careful management to preserve the strategic and value-based bonds that have defined the relationship for decades.