Story highlights
"Probably the worst relationship" for U.S., Israeli leaders since Eisenhower, an analyst says
In the past, U.S. and Israeli administrations "got a lot done," an analyst says
"Generational divide" separates Obama from previous presidents, an analyst says
Recent strain can be "overcome" after hostilities end, an analyst says
Tensions between U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been strained for years. But the conflict in Gaza has ushered in a new low, some analysts say.
“It’s probably the worst relationship between a leader of the United States and a leader of Israel since all the way back to the Eisenhower days,” says David Gergen, a senior political analyst for CNN who served as adviser to four U.S. presidents. “The relationship has gotten rockier over this period during the war.”
While Obama and Netanyahu emphasize friendship and mutual support publicly, a series of recent events present a different picture.
Blaming Israel for an attack that killed several people at a school in Gaza, the United States said it was “appalled” by the “disgraceful shelling” – sharp criticism from Washington rarely heard when Israel is engaged in battle.
