Edward Tivnan’s The Lobby: Jewish Political Power and American Foreign Policy (1987) offers a critical examination of the pro-Israel lobby in the United States, particularly focusing on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Tivnan, a former journalist for Time, delves into the historical development, strategies, and political influence of this lobby, presenting a perspective that has sparked significant debate. commentary.org+6publishersweekly.com+6wrmea.org+6
Origins and Evolution of the Israel Lobby
Tivnan traces the roots of the American-Israeli lobby back to the early 20th century, highlighting the efforts of Zionist leaders to garner support for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. He notes that organizations like the American Zionist Council of Public Affairs, established in the 1950s, laid the groundwork for what would become AIPAC. By the 1960s, these efforts culminated in the formation of AIPAC, which Tivnan describes as a powerful entity capable of influencing U.S. foreign policy to align with Israeli interests. thefreelibrary.com
AIPAC’s Political Influence
Central to Tivnan’s thesis is the assertion that AIPAC has become a formidable force in American politics, leveraging financial contributions, grassroots mobilization, and strategic lobbying to shape policy decisions. He provides examples such as the 1981 battle over the sale of AWACS surveillance planes to Saudi Arabia, where AIPAC successfully rallied opposition, influencing congressional votes . Tivnan argues that such actions demonstrate AIPAC’s capacity to sway legislative outcomes, often prioritizing Israeli interests over broader American strategic considerations. washingtonpost.comnybooks.com+4wrmea.org+4publishersweekly.com+4
Ethical and Strategic Concerns
Tivnan raises concerns about the ethical implications of AIPAC’s influence, suggesting that the lobby's unwavering support for Israeli policies may sometimes conflict with American values and interests. He criticizes instances where AIPAC has defended controversial Israeli actions, such as military operations in Lebanon and settlement expansions in the West Bank, without sufficient scrutiny or acknowledgment of the broader geopolitical consequences. nybooks.com+1wrmea.org+1
Internal Dissent and Criticism
The book also highlights internal dissent within the Jewish-American community regarding AIPAC's approach. Tivnan quotes individuals like Arthur Hertzberg, who criticized AIPAC for its narrow focus and lack of engagement with diverse Jewish perspectives. This internal critique underscores the complexity of the relationship between American Jews and Israeli policies, challenging the monolithic portrayal often associated with the pro-Israel lobby. newyorker.comwrmea.org
Reception and Critique
Upon its release, The Lobby garnered attention for its bold assertions and in-depth analysis. However, it also faced criticism for perceived bias and selective presentation of facts. Some reviewers contended that Tivnan's portrayal lacked nuance and failed to adequately consider the broader context of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Additionally, the book's focus on AIPAC's influence raised questions about the role of lobbying in American democracy and the ethical boundaries of political advocacy. publishersweekly.com+4washingtonpost.com+4wrmea.org+4
Conclusion
Edward Tivnan’s The Lobby remains a provocative contribution to discussions on American foreign policy and the influence of interest groups. While it offers a critical perspective on the pro-Israel lobby, it also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of political influence, ethical considerations, and the interplay between domestic politics and international relations. The book serves as a starting point for further exploration into the dynamics of lobbying and its impact on shaping national policy.