The Strained Alliance: George H. W. Bush, Yitzhak Shamir, and the US–Israel Special Relationship

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David Tal (University of Sussex)

The Strained Alliance

George H. W. Bush, Yitzhak Shamir, and the US–Israel Special Relationship

David Tal (University of Sussex)

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English

Cambridge University Press
23 October 2025

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.

By: David Tal (University of Sussex)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Weight: 617g
ISBN: 9781009687812
ISBN 10: 1009687816
Pages: 312
Publication Date: 23 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction; 1. First encounters, 1989–1990; 2. 'Lay aside, once and for all, the unrealistic vision of a greater Israel' 3. On the brinks of a new world, 8/1990–1991; 4. 1991 – 'Israel under missile attack'; 5. The bumpy road to Madrid, 1991; 6. 1992 – The fall of leaders; Conclusion.

David Tal is the Yossi Harel Chair in Modern Israel Studies at the University of Sussex. His fields of expertise are Israel's military and diplomatic history, Israel-US relationship and US disarmament policy. Tal has published extensively in these areas including, most recently, his fifth book The Making of an Alliance: The History of the Israel-US Special Relationship (Cambridge, 2022).