In some ways, Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled speech to Congress, bypassing the normal protocol of co-ordinating head of state visits through the White House and State Department, is testimony to the strength of those ties.
What other world leader could imagine organising such a trip with the House Speaker while keeping the President out of the loop? On the other hand, would anyone else feel he had to visit behind Obama's back and to petition Congress?
In six years the two men have failed to overcome the deep suspicion and contempt in which they hold each other. The suspicion is partly borne out by action. Mr Netanyahu is convinced that President Obama's administration is hopelessly naive and will go to dangerous lengths to reach a nuclear deal with Iran, in the mistaken belief that would create a once-in-a-generation geopolitical breakthrough.
Mr Obama believes his Israeli counterpart thinks he can challenge the White House on its home turf and work through the Republican Party to achieve political goals.
