Hagel's confirmation represented a crack in the alliance between the Israel lobby and the Republican right. That crack may now prove wide enough for Kerry to drive a Middle East peace initiative through.
J.J. Goldberg is editor-at-large of the Jewish Daily Forward and author of "Jewish Power: Inside the American Jewish Establishment" (Addison-Wesley 1996).
Six Months Later
Spies
J.J. Goldberg on why Israeli society is waging an unprecedented effort to press for the release of Jonathan Pollard ahead of Obama's visit.
The U.S. President In Israel
J.J. Goldberg on Obama's relevance in Israel, and how he will influence coalition formation.
Election Analysis
J.J. Goldberg argues that the best way to judge Yair Lapid's intentions is by looking at his list—Yesh Atid's slate of candidates.
Iran
J. J. Goldberg weighs in on the rift between political figures in Israel on a potentially immanent strike on Iran.