The strained alliance : George H. W. Bush, Yitzhak Shamir, and the US-Israel special relationship / David Tal.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tal, David (Historian), Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bush, George, 1924-2018.

Bush, George.

Shamir, Itzhak, 1915-2012.

Shamir, Itzhak.

United States--Foreign relations--Israel.

United States.

Israel--Foreign relations--United States.

Israel.

United States--Foreign relations--1989-1993.

Israel--Foreign relations--20th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xi, 298 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2026.

Summary:

When George H. W. Bush ascended to the American presidency in 1989, one of the more urgent relationships that he was faced with building was that with Israel's Yitzhak Shamir. Drawing on newly declassified materials, from American and Israeli state and non-state archives, this book reveals the complexities of a relationship defined by both deep cooperation and sharp tensions. From the peace process to loan guarantees, from military aid to emotional diplomacy, The Strained Alliance uncovers the debates, conflicts, and strategic decisions that shaped this critical period between 1989-1992. In doing so, David Tal challenges the traditional perception that US-Israel relations were dominated by policy disagreements, highlighting instead the broader foundation of collaboration that endured behind the scenes. Tal provides fresh insights into the intricate dynamics of diplomacy, ideology, and leadership, offering a balanced perspective on one of the most pivotal chapters in US-Israel history.

Contents:

Cover

Half-title page

Title page

Copyright page

Dedication

Contents

Acknowledgements

List of Abbreviations

Introduction

1 First Encounters, 1989-1990

The George H. W. Bush Administration

Yitzhak Shamir: A Belligerent Prime Minister

The US-PLO Dialogue

Peace Explorations

Strategic Relationship and the End of the Cold War

2 'Lay Aside, Once and for All, the Unrealistic Vision of a Greater Israel'

'Lay Aside, Once and for All, the Unrealistic Vision of a Greater Israel'

Loan Guarantees

3 On the Brink of a New World, August 1990-1991

The Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait

Black October

Israel and Operation Desert Shield

4 1991: 'Israel under Missile Attack'

'Israel under Missile Attack'

Israel in American Eyes

Loan Guarantees and Compensations

5 The Bumpy Road to Madrid, 1991

Shuttle Diplomacy

'Either Settlements or Loan Guarantees'

The Israel/Jewish Lobby

The Struggle over the Loan Guarantees

Conference in Madrid

6 1992: The Fall of Leaders

The Struggle for the Loan Guarantees Continues

Economic Aid: Ideology and Deed

Strategic Alliance

The Fall of a Prime Minister

The Fall of a President

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 10 Oct 2025).

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

1-009-68779-4

1-009-68780-8

9781009687782

OCLC:

1544719758