Since its creation, the State of Israel has been a battleground for staff in presidential administrations, especially those run by Democrats. As Joe Biden begins his administration, it seems appropriate to consider whether we will once again see a disproportionate amount of infighting on the question of Israel, and whether the resulting policy will redound to Israel’s benefit or its disadvantage. Looking back at the history dating to its founding in 1948, one can plausibly argue that Israel has been better off with Democratic fractiousness than with harmony.

The original decision over whether to recognize Israel in 1948 set up one of the most bitter policy fights in U.S. history. Nearly the entire national-security establishment opposed recognizing Israel, including Secretary of State George Marshall. The surrounding Arab populations vastly outnumbered the small number of Jews in Israel and around the world. Recognizing Israel seemed to be a bad bet.