For many years now the American foreign policy has been characterised by the strong tie between the United States and Israel. Does the United States in fact keep Israel on its feet? And how long will it continue to do so? In 2006 the American political scientists John Mearsheimer and Steve Walt published the controversial article 'The Israel Lobby and US foreign policy'. In it they state that it is not, or no longer, expedient for the US to support and protect present-day Israel.

The documentary sheds light on both parties involved in the discussion: those who wish to maintain the strong tie between the US and Israel, and those who were critical of it and not infrequently became 'victims' of the lobby. The question arises to what extend the pro-Israel lobby ultimately determines the military and political importance of Israel itself.

With political scientist John Mearsheimer, neocon Richard Perle, lobby organization AIPAC, televangelist John Hagee, historian Tony Judt, Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth, colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, Democrat Earl Hilliard, Israeli peace negotiator Daniel Levy and investigative journalist Michael Massing.

Originally broadcasted by VPRO in 2007.
© VPRO Backlight April 2007

On VPRO broadcast you will find nonfiction videos with English subtitles, French subtitles and Spanish subtitles, such as documentaries, short interviews and documentary series.
VPRO Documentary publishes one new subtitled documentary about current affairs, finance, sustainability, climate change or politics every week. We research subjects like politics, world economy, society and science with experts and try to grasp the essence of prominent trends and developments.

Subscribe to our channel for great, subtitled, recent documentaries.

Visit additional youtube channels bij VPRO broadcast:
VPRO Broadcast, all international VPRO programs:    / vprobroadcast  
VPRO DOK, German only documentaries:    / @vprodok  
VPRO Metropolis, remarkable stories from all over the world:    / vprometropolis  
VPRO World Stories, the travel series of VPRO:    / vproworldstories  
VPRO Extra, additional footage and one off's:    / @vproextra3443  
www.VPRObroadcast.com

Credits:
Research: William de Bruijn
Director: Marije Meerman
English, French and Spanish subtitles: Ericsson.
French and Spanish subtitles are co-funded by European Union.