It’s a tough time for the U.S.-Israel alliance. The death toll from the Gaza war has shaken Washington officials. President Biden wants Israel to recognize a Palestinian state, something its current government opposes. Top Israeli officials openly criticize Biden. Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, is just concluding a trip there to seek common ground — his seventh visit to the country since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.

In today’s newsletter, I’ll explain the strain that the Gaza war has placed on the U.S.-Israel relationship, how serious it is and what might come next.

A deepening distrust

In the days after Hamas’s surprise attack, which left about 1,100 Israelis dead, Biden and Blinken rushed to Israel. They proclaimed their support for the country and its “right to defend itself.”

But the U.S. tone changed as Israel’s response destroyed much of Gaza and killed at least 25,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. Biden reportedly called the bombing “indiscriminate.” He is said to be exasperated with Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who yesterday rejected Hamas’s response to a new cease-fire proposal.

The American public is not happy either. Polling shows widespread disapproval of Israel’s campaign and of the way Biden has handled it (although some of those who disapprove believe Biden is too hard on Israel). Younger Americans are far more sympathetic to Palestinians than older generations are.

Anger at Israel is mounting in Congress, as well. Many Democrats want an immediate cease-fire, which Israel and the Biden administration oppose.