Israel turns to Asia in bid to expand alliances

Washington

ALTHOUGH Israel is located in the Middle East or South-West Asia, the Jewish state has historically been regarded as an integral part of the West. It was founded by European immigrants and supported by Jewish communities in Europe and North America and so its main strategic and economic partners consisted of the leading Western European governments - including Britain, Germany and France - and the United States (and Canada). At the same time, Israel has faced major obstacles in its efforts to make peace with its Arab neighbours and to integrate itself into the Middle East.

In particular, through its close strategic alliance with Israel, the United States has played a leading role in maintaining the Jewish state's military edge and in providing it with diplomatic backing and economic aid. Indeed, Israel is currently the largest recipient of American foreign aid and Washington has been consistently containing the international pressure to isolate and punish Israel, including during the recent war in the Gaza Strip when the Israelis were accused of bombarding civilian centres.