I see two ways which Israeli-U.S. relations may play out during the new few months and years.
The first is negative and much more likely. The second is positive and less likely.
The first is that Obama and Netanyahu continue at implacable loggerheads over the Iran nuclear deal. If the deal passes without a significant rebuff from Congress, an emboldened Obama Administration escalates its hostility to Israel, especially at the UN. Even if the deal fails, a humiliated Obama Administration blames Israel—and escalates its hostility to the Netanyahu government.
Second, the Israeli government, behind the scenes, takes the initiative to explore a political truce to least for the remainder of the Obama presidency. This would involve Israel, not embracing the Iran deal, but letting it be known it can and will live it. At the same time, Netanyahu’s government announces a new settlement freeze, ostensibly for the purpose of restarting “two state solution” peace talks with the Palestinians. The Obama Administration, in returns, commits—probably in a signed accord that may or may not be made public—to cease its anti-Netanyahu PR campaign, continue to veto anti-Israel resolutions at the UN, and try to act as a truly honest broker between Israelis and Palestinians.
The second outcome would be much the better for Israeli-U.S. relations. This, alas, is one of the reasons why it is least likely!
