Americans who haven't participated in early voting will go to the polls today to decide whether the US remains a functioning liberal democracy that stands by its allies, including Israel – or abandons them. This is the choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Voting for Harris is the best way to ensure that the US-Israeli alliance endures through challenging times. Contrary to popular opinion, shared even within the Israeli government, a Trump victory could lead to the abandonment of the alliance with Israel. The notion that Trump would be "good for Israel" is one of the greatest illusions of conservative Jewish politics in recent years.
Unlike Trump, Harris promises loyalty to the rule of law and the US Constitution, and the continuation of America's global role since World War II, the Cold War, and the post-9/11 era. This role now includes unwavering support for Israel's survival and well-being. Harris has shown courage in her consistent support for Israel's right to self-defense, even when this position became unpopular within her party's left wing.
Addressing Republicans who have grown weary of Trump's authoritarianism, increasing boorishness, threats of violence, and tolerance of antisemitism, racism, and sexism among his supporters, Harris has built a broad coalition – while Trump has only escalated his appeals to his angry, grudge-holding base. Harris has promised to listen to those who disagree with her, while Trump drops dark hints about "the enemy within," namely the Democratic Party.
Separatist Right and Personality Cult
The anti-Zionist Left criticizing Israel has not taken over the Democratic Party. Conversely, the separatist Right, in the form of Trump's personality cult, sets the tone in the Republican Party. As Jacob Heilbrunn recently reminded us in his book "America Last" – isolationism, enthusiasm for foreign dictators, and contempt for involvement in international politics have long existed as a current within the Republican Party.
As Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently pointed out in Foreign Affairs magazine, a small group of "revisionist forces" including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea seeks to change the principles of the international system. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Iran's threats against Israel are part of this effort.
Despite these threats, Trump has expressed bizarre admiration for Putin, who declared war on Ukraine and reportedly ordered assassinations of Russians opposing his rule. Trump's strange enthusiasm for Putin and his fundamental isolationist beliefs will work against an American or joint American-Israeli strike on Iran.
It's unlikely that someone who attacks Liz Cheney, one of hundreds of Republican politicians and advisers who switched sides, calling her a "war hawk," would order the US military to strike Iran's nuclear program, especially when such a strike would harm Russia's ally. When forced to choose between good relations with Russia and good relations with Israel – it's entirely conceivable that Trump would prefer Russia.
An American Brand of Fascism
America's power to influence world affairs and stand in defense of Israel doesn't stem solely from its military superiority. It also relies on alliances – primarily NATO. During his first term, experienced conservative officials prevented him from destroying NATO. If Trump decides to implement his threats to weaken the Western alliance – if elected again, these barriers will no longer be there. Instead, Trump will surround himself with sycophants and ideologues who share his "America First" impulses. During the first half of his term, and certainly following his efforts to disrupt the certification of election results, it became evident that Trump indeed represents a unique American brand of fascism. He treats the legal system as a tool for self-benefit. He has no understanding or appreciation for the system of checks and balances in the US.
Conversely, the Harris administration will continue the important efforts undertaken by President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Austin to restore and deepen American alliances, including with Israel. Despite friction, the Biden-Harris administration has stood by Israel in the complex and tragic year since October 7.
Kamala Harris has emerged as a center-left politician, with different emphases than Biden, but one whose support for Israel is unwavering. Choosing her will provide the best guarantee for four more years of uncompromising support for Israel, and for preserving the values and institutions of liberal democracy in the US.
Jeffrey Herf is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland. His latest book, "Three Faces of Antisemitism: Right, Left, and Islamist," was published this year.
