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With Netanyahu's Visit, Reasons to Expect Smoother U.S.-Israeli Relations
(Wall Street Journal) Aaron David Miller - The mistrust that has marked their relationship for seven years will not dissipate when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Barack Obama meet on Monday. But for a few reasons, it's likely that a smoother, steadier stretch in relations is coming. Mr. Obama got what he wanted - and Mr. Netanyahu didn't - from the deal on Iran's nuclear program. The fight about what is or is not in the agreement is essentially over, though the Israelis will follow implementation closely. On the peace process Mr. Obama doesn't have many levers to pull, given the latest wave of Palestinian violence, Mahmoud Abbas' campaign to gain international recognition by isolating Israel, and the long odds against agreement on the big issues such as Jerusalem and borders. Seeking a UN Security Council resolution that would lay out the basis of a deal would alienate Israel and Congress - and produce nothing on the ground.