The Economist.
America has a distinct way of describing its friendships.
It has a robust partnership with Australia.
Its relationship with Canada is one of the closest and most extensive in the world.
And with the United Kingdom, it has the special relationship.
Except it may not actually be all that special because since the 1960s,
presidents have described the American relationship with Israel as special too.
President Kennedy did it in private.
President Carter said it in public.
Now, after two years of a brutal war in Gaza, that special relationship is being strained.
And America's allies, including some that get special naming rights, are recognizing a Palestinian state.
I'm John Prideaux and this is Checks and Balance from The Economist.
Each week we take one big theme shaping American politics and explore it in depth.
Today, just how strong is the American-Israeli relationship?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to cut a deal to end the war,
bombed the Qatari capital without an American green light, and launched a new offensive in Gaza City.
In all, it amounts to at best a disregard for President Trump, who said he wants the war to end now.
So, how long will this relationship stay special?
With me this week to talk about America's support for Israel and how it's changing are Charlotte Howard and James Bennett.
Charlotte and James, we're talking shortly after some of Israel's closest allies have recognized a Palestinian state,