American support for Israel actually began before it was a state. In 1947, Truman’s actions assured passage of UN Resolution 181 creating the State of Israel. Over the last 75 years, the alliance has grown. Some perceive this as rooted in the democratic and Judeo-Christian tradition we share. Perhaps it is Israel’s struggle for survival against enormous odds (not too different from us in 1776). These may have led LBJ to say when asked why he supported 3 million Israelis instead of 80 million Arabs “Because it’s right.” Some have argued it’s just another “Jewish thing.”
It is clear that the American alliance is dear to Israel and crucial to their existence. But a legitimate question can be asked. “What’s in it for us?” We live in a geopolitical world where alliances are based on convenience and need…not morality. One-time enemies (Japan, Germany) become friends. One-time friends (Iran, Russia, China) become enemies. The plain, unfiltered truth is while tradition and morality might be laudable, we support Israel because it is in our own financial and strategic interest to do so. The evidence is clear. Our financial, military, and diplomatic support far exceeds “being nice.”
Israel is ground zero for fighting Radical Islamic Terrorism. Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran are kept in check. Hamas, Hezbollah, et al are being fought over there instead of here. They are the 1st line of defense. If Israel falls……….we’re next.
Israel’s AF is predominant so we can have a limited presence. Their missiles and nuclear arsenal maintain the balance of power.
Israel’s intel community, 2nd to none, shares info, crucial, again, to fighting terrorism.
We share R&D for missile defense systems (Arrow Missile System, Iron dome). Our defense industry enjoys $5 billion annually in defense projects.
There’s more. The number of tech and financial percs are off the chart. Israeli companies and start-ups often seek American partners for global expansion (especially tech). Even ultra lib, Bill Gates said “Israeli high tech firms often turn to US companies….creating 10s of thousands of jobs.”
For all the clean energy people, Israel is the world leader in water purification and conservation, and high tech agriculture. It shares these advances with us. Solar plants here, for example, use Israeli technology.
There are those who say we are compromising our relationships with Arab nations. Our pro-Israel posture obstructs a pathway to peace. Hmmm, really? I won’t get into how many times the Arabs have been offered peace in this article…..another time, maybe. However, I would argue our alliance with Israel actually enhances the prospects for peace! Who else has the clout to influence Israel to make concessions? Arab nations, like everyone else, will do what is in their own best interests. Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Sudan are examples.
The US-Israeli alliance is not just a Jewish politically correct thing based on a common tradition because it’s nice. That’s not how countries work. The alliance is not always easy. Israeli actions don’t always help. Recently, Bibi congratulated “President elect” Biden. Ill advised, ill timed, for sure, considering what Trump has done for Israel. However, when Trudeau, Macron, or Merkel make ill advised, ill timed remarks, we don’t question those alliances. In the final analysis, the US-Israeli alliance is based on MUTUAL TANGIBLE interests whose benefits far outweigh the difficulties.
