Should America Pressure Israel?

Barry Rubin says that people who suggest that the U.S. should pressure Israel into making peace with the Palestinians don't know what they're talking about:

Here's the theme: Israelis are so stupid about their country, situation, and region on the life-and-death issues which they have been dealing with for decades that they must be saved in spite of themselves by people who have no knowledge or experience on any of these things. No other country in the world is so frequently told this kind of thing which I hear all the time from Europeans, too.

Is it so hard to comprehend that our views and behavior are based on years of experience and study? That we know best how to save ourselves and have been doing a far better job of it, against tremendous odds and unhelpful kibbitzers, than many others?

It's not hard at all. In fact, it's obvious. But here's another theme that never quite works its way into Rubin's equation: American aid. We give Israel a lot of money, intelligence and diplomatic support. Naturally, one would expect some degree of influence with that aid. It's all very well and good for Rubin to tell the Obama administration and its supporters in the press to buzz off and let Israel do whatever it wants. But I wonder, can they take their aid dollars with them?