“Dennis Ross, who helped negotiate earlier peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians during the Clinton administration, said the United States already has robust military agreements with Israel.

“He predicted the Pentagon would be reluctant to support a formal treaty now — in part because it could be seen as a political boost to Mr. Netanyahu in a relationship that the American military wants to keep strictly professional.

“Having a formal defense treaty could also raise the appearance that the United States was complicit in Israeli military campaigns in the Middle East, like against Palestinians or Iran, Mr. Ross said. It also could pull in American resources, including troops, to come to Israel’s defense if necessary, he said.

“Already, ‘in any real conflict where Israel needed assistance, it’s inconceivable that the United States wouldn’t provide it,’ Mr. Ross said…”

Read the full article here: