Dennis Ross on Israel’s Political and Diplomatic Crossroads
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from July 8, 2026 | Iran, Israel, and America: Where Are We and Where Do We Go From Here? The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Dennis Ross, a veteran diplomat and longtime adviser on Middle East peace, explored Israel’s growing international isolation, its changing relationship with the United States and the political choices that could shape the country’s future.
American Support Is Shifting
For decades, support for Israel was one of the most durable bipartisan positions in American politics. Ross warned that this consensus is eroding.
He traced part of the deterioration to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 2015 address to Congress opposing the emerging Iran nuclear agreement. Israel’s subsequent close identification with President Donald Trump deepened partisan divisions. Today, criticism is no longer limited to progressive Democrats. It increasingly extends to independents and younger Republicans.
A recent critical speech in Tel Aviv by Rahm Emanuel, Ross suggested, reflects this broader shift. Many Israelis understand that their country is increasingly isolated, but they may not fully appreciate how dramatically American public opinion is changing.
Gaza and Israel’s Moral Standing
Images of destruction and civilian suffering in Gaza have profoundly damaged Israel’s international reputation. Ross acknowledged serious excesses in Israel’s conduct while rejecting the claim that its military campaign constitutes genocide.
Nevertheless, inflammatory statements by Israeli ministers and restrictions on humanitarian assistance have strengthened accusations against Israel. Ross argued that Israel could only preserve international support for confronting Hamas by protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid and showing that its military operations served a credible political strategy.
Instead, many Israelis believe their government has achieved tactical military victories without converting them into lasting political gains.
An Election With High Stakes
Domestic frustrations extend beyond the war. Israeli reservists have endured repeated and lengthy deployments while many ultra-Orthodox citizens remain exempt from military service. That imbalance has intensified public anger and raised deeper questions about shared responsibility.
Ross estimated a 60 percent chance that Israel’s next election will produce a change in government, although Netanyahu retains a loyal and politically powerful base. The outcome could determine not only Israel’s leadership, but also its relationship with the United States, diaspora Jewish communities and its Arab neighbors.
Building a Different Future
Ross continues to believe that two states for two peoples is the only sustainable answer, even if that outcome is not currently achievable. He is also increasingly open to a confederation of two independent states that share certain defense, economic and foreign-policy institutions.
Any path forward will require shared responsibility. Palestinians must pursue meaningful reforms, Arab governments must help restrain Hamas and support regional security, and Israel must take concrete steps toward peace.
Gaza reconstruction could begin in areas secured from Hamas under an international security arrangement, giving Palestinians a visible alternative to Hamas rule. Israel, meanwhile, can begin repairing strained relationships by listening more closely to diaspora communities and presenting a broader vision of the country—one defined not only by conflict, but also by innovation, democratic values and contributions to the world.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.