Global diplomacy is a complex arena where the interests of many nations often clash. For the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), there is one North Star that guides its assessment of international relations: the security of the State of Israel. The ZOA consistently argues that any diplomatic agreement or international policy must be judged by its impact on Israel’s ability to defend itself and maintain its sovereignty. This “Security First” philosophy has made the ZOA a leading critic of diplomatic initiatives that it views as naive or dangerous.
One of the primary areas of ZOA’s focus in recent years has been the threat posed by the Iranian regime. The ZOA was a steadfast opponent of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. The organization argued that the deal failed to address Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional terrorism, and its repeated threats to destroy Israel. For the ZOA, any deal that allows a hostile regime to maintain its nuclear infrastructure is an existential threat. By lobbying for “maximum pressure” on Tehran, the ZOA aims to ensure that Iran is never allowed to achieve its goal of regional hegemony.
The ZOA also maintains a critical eye on the United Nations. The organization frequently points out the disproportionate number of resolutions targeting Israel compared to those targeting actual human rights abusers around the world. The ZOA advocates for the United States to use its veto power and financial leverage to counter the anti-Israel bias within UN bodies. By highlighting the hypocrisy and politicization of international organizations, the ZOA seeks to protect Israel from being unfairly marginalized on the world stage. For the ZOA, international law should be a tool for justice, not a weapon for political warfare.
Ultimately, the ZOA’s approach to global diplomacy is rooted in a sober realism. The organization believes that “peace through strength” is the only sustainable model for the Middle East. By supporting a robust Israeli military and a strong US-Israel defense partnership, the ZOA helps ensure that Israel remains a regional power capable of deterring aggression. While others may dream of a world without conflict, the ZOA remains focused on the reality on the ground, advocating for policies that provide the Jewish state with the security it needs to flourish in a challenging neighborhood.
