Repairing Israel’s standing in the U.S. requires new leader in Israel, Dan Shapiro says

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro stated at the Aspen Security Forum that a change in Israeli leadership, specifically a defeat for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming October elections, is essential to repair Israel's deteriorating standing in the United States. Shapiro emphasized that Netanyahu is associated with significant flashpoints in U.S.-Israel relations, including opposition to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and the rise of his far-right cabinet. He suggested that a less prominent Israeli leader would be "a very healthy thing for the U.S.-Israel relationship."

• Shapiro noted that a wise Israeli government would address its declining U.S. standing and that the Israeli public should consider this when voting.
• He also outlined steps Israel could take to improve attitudes, such as cracking down on "the Jewish terror wave against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank" and stopping settlement expansion.
• Regarding calls to cut U.S. military aid to Israel, Shapiro acknowledged legitimate concerns about operations in Gaza but argued that a wholesale cutoff is not a thoughtful solution, emphasizing Hamas's responsibility for civilian harm and the ongoing U.S. interest in Israel's self-defense.
• He strongly believes the U.S.-Israel relationship serves American interests, warning that its deterioration would compromise U.S. influence and embolden adversaries like Iran.