The pro-Israel lobby has swayed US presidents since Truman. It must end with Trump | Ian Lustick and Eli Clifton
Our new book tracks the growth over nearly eight decades, of the most powerful foreign policy lobby in US historyIn 1948, with war raging in Palestine, Harry Truman found himself trapped.On one side were Zionist lobbyists and the president’s domestic political advisers, who were urging him to support the establishment of a Jewish state in as much of Palestine as possible. On the other were his top foreign policy and national security officials, led by the secretary of state, George C Marshall.
Reported by 1 outlet — The Guardian US. See all sources ↓
The pro-Israel lobby has influenced every US president from Harry Truman to Donald Trump. A new book shows how this lobby grew over almost eighty years and became the strongest foreign‑policy group in the United States. In 1948, Truman was pushed by Zionist activists to back a Jewish state in Palestine. His top advisors, led by Secretary of State George Marshall, warned against creating the state and urged him to refuse.
Why it matters
Understanding this lobby helps explain why US Middle East policy has often favored Israel. It shows how interest groups can shape presidential decisions even when experts disagree.
- Who wrote the book mentioned?
- Ian Lustick and Eli Clifton wrote the book.
- What did Truman’s top officials advise him to do in 1948?
- They advised him to prevent the establishment of a Jewish state.
- Why does the article say the lobby’s influence must end with Trump?
- The authors argue that Trump’s presidency should be the last time the lobby sways US presidents.
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The pro-Israel lobby has swayed US presidents since Truman. It must end with Trump | Ian Lustick and Eli Clifton
Sources1TypeCoverageThe Guardian US