"From Truman to Ford, American presidents have, in part, relied on their religious and moral commitments to support their policies and views toward Israel. Beginning with Carter, however, U.S. presidents have abandoned the role of champions of Israel to become champions of the "Peace Process," stressing peace and a secular approach that rises above the religious and theological fray. And yet, even in the context of this attempted fair-mindedness, U. S. presidents consistently reveal the character and commitments of their personal religious and moral beliefs in their responses to the issues of Israel. Now, George W. Bush, one of the most vocally religious presidents, seems poised to take up the tradition once again of relying on his religious convictions to justify his positions toward the Arab-Israeli conflict. Here, Merkley argues that while faith alone does not determine action, or that it even has a controlling influence, religious belief does play a role in the policies presidents, and the nation, adopt toward Israel."--BOOK JACKET.