But what we do have long term memory for is terrorism, at least of the Arab variety (not so much of the white variety). One really bad terrorist attack was enough for us to start a forever war and spend like $6T or whatever and get the worst president in modern history reelected. I think Americans are basically forgiving of Israel because it's really easy to see ourselves reflected in their image (beyond the settlers aspect, as you mention). If we dealt with what they dealt with we would have gone nuclear like 2 decades ago. (And before anyone jumps down my throat, yes, I think that Netanyahu is a disaster, and yes, I think that Israel needs to play the part of the developed and militarily capable neighbor a lot better than it does sometimes.)