For decades, the United States has maintained strong ties with Israel, in political, military, and economic spheres, providing significant aid to its Middle Eastern ally. Within the recently inaugurated Biden administration, Vice President Kamala Harris holds a prestigious role in a sweeping change that includes reviewing U.S-Israel relations. And leading the charge is her trusted aide, Nancy McEldowney.
McEldowney, a career diplomat with over 30 years of experience and a former ambassador to Bulgaria, was named Harris’s National Security Advisor in January. Her qualifications and extensive experience bring a polished and meticulous approach to this role along with her history of being tough but fair in negotiations. With this hefty responsibility on her shoulders, she is likely to play a key role in shaping any changes to U.S-Israeli relations during the Biden administration’s tenure.
Famous for her in-depth expertise in European politics and foreign policy, McEldowney has taken part in several international missions, including conflict resolution in Bosnia and Serbia. Her knowledge in conflict resolution, coupled with her influential role as National Security Advisor, prepares her to diplomatically navigate any potential complex issues with U.S-Israel relations, such as matters surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite the potential for fluctuations in the United States’ relations with Israel, the country’s leadership remains determined to strengthen their mutual alliance. The Biden administration, including Harris and McEldowney, is committed to ensuring Israel’s security, stability, and prosperity. However, they aren’t afraid to reevaluate existing policies and make necessary adjustments to improve bilateral relations.
One such policy that could come under scrutiny is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, often known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. The Trump administration abandoned it in 2018, and it’s no secret that Israel wasn’t fond of the original deal, viewing it as a threat. As a member of the review board, McEldowney could play a pivotal role in shaping the debate around whether to rejoin the agreement.
The focus of the Biden administration’s Middle East policy isn’t solely on Israel. They intend to bring human rights and democratic principles back to the forefront as key components of U.S. foreign policy. Here, McEldowney’s experience as director of the Foreign Service Institute, where she trained diplomats in human rights and democracy promotion, will certainly prove valuable.
This change signals a broader shift in the U.S.’s stance on the Middle East, with a considerable shift towards diplomacy after a period characterized by aggressive policies and misguided battle lines. The central role that Harris and McEldowney will play in reviewing policy allows for calculated decisions that should shape U.S. relationship with Israel, maintaining its strength while tackling key areas of concern such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite the seemingly daunting task of leading the review of U.S.-Israel policy, with McEldowney by her side, Harris stands strong, ready to tackle any obstacle head-on. With their combined knowledge and expertise, the future of the U.S.- Israel relationship looks promising. Their shared vision for a better, fairer world, guides Harris and McEldowney in their work, setting up a framework for the redefinition of U.S.-Israel relations where diplomacy, democracy, and human rights lead the way forward.