Israel at Thirty

Abstract

This chapter traces the growing complexity of the American relationship to Israel: from American telethon fundraisers to concerted criticism to the rise of American Evangelical support for Israel. It also details the growing complexities around the question of how to treat the Palestinian territories. Additional topics include the growing phenomenon of “Jerusalem Syndrome,” or cult-like religious zealotry focused on Israel, as well as the treatment of Israel in several American best-selling novels. The chapter concludes with the response to the First Intifada and the election of Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister.