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NORMAN FINKELSTEIN – Political scientist

Are American Jews falling out of love with Israel? The Jewish American academic, Norman Finkelstein, claims this is happening. Is this true and what does that mean for America's Middle East policy?

American Presidents have long been criticised for being too in thrall to the Jewish lobby, and that American Jews influence US foreign policy, which explains America's unwavering support for Israel.

So what happens if American Jews fall out of love with Israel? That's what the Jewish American academic Norman Finkelstein claims is happening. He suggests that American Jews are now unhappy with what Israel is doing and they want to distance themselves from the country.

Finkelstein is nothing if not controversial. He, after all, is famous for accusing Jews of exploiting the Holocaust. His actions have resulted in him being banned from entering Israel.

Could he be right and, if he is, what does that mean for America's Middle East policy?

23 minutes

Last on

Sat 12 May 2012 01:05GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 11 May 2012 08:05GMT
  • Fri 11 May 2012 12:05GMT
  • Fri 11 May 2012 15:05GMT
  • Fri 11 May 2012 19:05GMT
  • Sat 12 May 2012 01:05GMT

Podcast