America’s commitment to Israel’s safety and security is iron-clad, and it must be nurtured and preserved for as long as America has the power of protection. But that doesn’t mean the interests of the two countries can’t diverge or that, when they do, Israel should be empowered to define American interests. In the long run, Americans aren’t likely to accept that definition of the special relationship.

Robert W. Merry, longtime Washington political reporter and publishing executive, is the author of books on American history and foreign policy.