Blinken says he warned Netanyahu of Republican support loss

Antony Blinken stated on Sunday that he predicted Israel would lose the support of young Republicans and young evangelicals during the Gaza war. The former US secretary of state made the remark while speaking at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Washington.

The conversation took place in the spring of 2024. Blinken recalled telling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the political fallout was extending beyond the Democratic Party. He noted that the shift in perception posed a strategic challenge for Israeli leaders and would impact American politics.

Blinken appeared at the event alongside Mike Pompeo, another former secretary of state. The discussion was moderated by ABC News journalist Juju Chang. The two men agreed on the value of the US-Israel relationship but disagreed on several key policy issues.

A central point of contention was how to handle Iran. Pompeo argued for increased pressure on the regime, including maintaining an economic blockade and striking assets inside Iran. He rejected the idea of offering concessions in exchange for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Blinken favored sustained economic pressure to bring Tehran to negotiations, suggesting that a diplomatic resolution might require sanctions relief.

The former officials also differed on the role of Palestinian statehood. Blinken argued that expanding the Abraham Accords required a path toward resolving the Palestinian question. He called for a sovereign, demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. Pompeo believed that regional relationships could continue to develop without an immediate two-state agreement, especially after the events of October 7.

Blinken addressed criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza. He acknowledged the brutality of Hamas's October 7 attack and the difficulty of fighting an enemy embedded among civilians. He stated that Israel had done the bare minimum necessary to protect civilians caught in the fighting, describing a degree of disregard for their well-being without intending to eliminate them.

Pompeo defended Israel's military actions and warned against a growing moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas. He urged supporters to explain the military challenges faced by the Israeli government. He highlighted the importance of institutional ties, including intelligence cooperation, in maintaining the partnership.

Pompeo cited personal examples of Israeli intelligence assistance. He said Israeli intelligence helped protect him from threats posed by Iran, including a one million dollar bounty on his head. He noted that this cooperation often received little public attention while saving American lives.

The General Assembly runs through Tuesday. The gathering brings together communal leaders, philanthropists, and professionals from North America, Israel, and other regions. The event focuses on the US-Israel relationship, combating antisemitism, and supporting Israel's recovery after three years of war.

The security assistance memorandum signed in 2016 provides a framework for $38 billion over fiscal years 2019 through 2028. This amount includes $3.3 billion annually in military financing and $500 million annually for missile defense. Blinken noted that Israel appears to be preparing its public for the possibility that American funding will not continue indefinitely.