Steady course seen likely for US-Israel ties

With new leaders steering relationship, analysts say any shifts won't be drastic

As Israel transitions to an altered political landscape under a new leader, the country's relationship with its long-term ally the United States has been receiving much attention as observers speculate on the direction it will take.

Newly installed Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and US President Joe Biden, himself less than half a year into his term, have inherited a relationship that could be characterized as one in which neither side can afford to leave the other. But some commentators believe that the strong bonds between the nations might yet undergo some adjustments. These changes, though, will not be drastic, they say.

The broad framework of cooperation between the countries will not undergo fundamental changes even when there is a change in leaders, said Shu Meng, a researcher at the Middle East Studies Institute at Shanghai International Studies University.