AL-AQSA FLOOD: THE UNRAVELLING OF US-ISRAEL RELATIONS?

Abstract

Abstract: The October 7, 2023, Al-Aqsa Flood operation, initiated by Hamas from Gaza, marks a pivotal and transformative moment in the Israel-Palestine conflict. This bold and unexpected offensive has been described as a 'rupture' in the psychology of resistance, representing the most significant paradigm shift for Palestine since the First Intifada in 1987. The operation shatters the long-standing myth of Israeli security and military invincibility, fundamentally challenging the established order. The reverberations of the Al-Aqsa Flood extend beyond the immediate conflict, affecting broader Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) politics and resonating deeply within the United States, Israel's key ally. Growing disillusionment among American youth and college campuses regarding unconditional U.S. support for Israel mirrors the anti-war sentiments of the Vietnam era, suggesting a potential re-evaluation of the historically strong U.S.-Israel relationship. This paper explores the strategic and symbolic significance of the Al-Aqsa Flood and its far-reaching implications for U.S.-Israel relations. As public opinion in the U.S., especially among younger generations, increasingly empathizes with the Palestinian cause, the traditional bipartisan support for Israel is facing unprecedented scrutiny. The analysis includes emerging debates within the evangelicals and the general public, highlighting a complex and evolving landscape. Finally, this paper attempts to provide a preliminary systems mapping of the Al-Aqsa Flood's impact, aiming to elucidate the interconnected consequences of various aspects of the conflict and broader regional politics. This approach seeks to better visualize how Al-Aqsa Flood could fundamentally alter U.S. foreign policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reshape Middle East diplomacy.