A recent social media post by Bruce Fenton, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency sector and former U.S. Senate candidate, has sparked renewed discussion regarding the nature of the relationship between the United States and Israel. Fenton's tweet, shared on an unspecified date, asserted that the U.S. is "fully owned & controlled" by Israel, describing American foreign policy and military engagements as "dictated by a small country."
Fenton, known for his libertarian views and past political endeavors, including a run for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, used strong language to convey his perspective. In the tweet, he claimed, > "US officials don’t even make an effort to hide or explain this bizarre vassal state behavior. Our wealth, reputation, foreign policy and military engagements all dictated by a small country who’s politicians and policies cause an inordinate amount of trouble for us and the world."
The United States and Israel have maintained a robust and long-standing "special relationship" since Israel's founding in 1948. This alliance is characterized by significant military and economic cooperation, with the U.S. providing substantial foreign aid. Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II, currently receiving approximately $3.8 billion annually in military aid, which is primarily used to purchase U.S. defense equipment and services.
This aid and the broader relationship have been subjects of ongoing debate, with discussions often centering on the extent of Israel's influence on U.S. foreign policy. Academic works, such as "The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy" by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, argue that pro-Israel lobbying groups exert considerable influence, sometimes shaping U.S. policy in ways that may not align with broader American interests.
Critics of this "lobby" thesis, however, contend that such arguments can be exaggerated or rooted in antisemitic tropes, emphasizing instead shared strategic interests and democratic values as the primary drivers of the U.S.-Israel alliance. They highlight that U.S. support for Israel is also influenced by domestic political considerations and a long-standing bipartisan commitment to Israel's security in a volatile region.
The controversial nature of Fenton's statement reflects a segment of public opinion that questions the balance of power and influence within the bilateral relationship. While the U.S. government consistently reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Israel's security, the debate over the precise dynamics of influence continues to be a point of contention in foreign policy discourse.