The U.S. and Israel Drift Apart

Israel cannot be a surrogate for the United States if it chooses to wage this war. Where it was invaluable in the Cold War, its impact on this war would be negligible to negative. It is therefore no surprise that U.S. tolerance for some Israeli actions is minimal. Israel, on the other hand, is not threatened by regional powers and for now is not as dependent on a great power patron. It just doesn't need the U.S. to the extent it once did. The U.S. is an insurance policy, but it can't carry a high premium.
Focusing on Obama and Netanyahu's personal relationship is missing the crucial point. The tension is rooted in shifting national interests. As the interests shift, the tolerance for various demands on both sides declines. And as it declines, the background noise in the relationship shifts. But it is only background noise. The real events are taking place silently, but in full view. Israel and the United States were close when they needed to be and are drifting apart when they can afford to. This does not mean they are enemies. But then they aren't friends. Nations have no permanent friends or enemies. Only permanent interests.