At a time of international tensions, the diplomatic relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a breath of minty fresh air—and a pragmatic model for bilateral foreign policy.
In the wake of President Trump's decision on Jerusalem, the Palestinian leadership promptly decided to "fire" the American mediator – and pretend to look for alternatives – which the Russians, the Chinese, even the Japanese, seem eager to provide if possible.
As might have been expected, President Trump's short speech on December 6 changing the U.S. stance on the status of Jerusalem, albeit in line with Congressional legislation dating back to 1995, unleashed a firestorm of excited verbiage both pro and con, much of it overblown and at times absurd.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, speaking today at an AJC breakfast, called on President Trump to “go with your heart” and “recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.”
With the goals of fostering technological innovation and boosting bilateral academic research and exchange opportunities, the presidents of top U.S. universities and colleges are visiting Israel this week with AJC Project Interchange.