Since May 14, 1948, when Israel declared its establishment in Palestine, Arab countries immediately rejected the new Jewish state and declared war. On the other hand, the United States recognized Israel the very same night. Since then, the U.S. has provided over $150 billion in aid to Israel, mostly in military assistance, making it the largest aid package given by the U.S. to any single country. But why does the U.S. support Israel so strongly and continuously?
The U.S. openly backs Israel even during military operations in Palestine. In December 2017, the Trump administration recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv, sparking a new conflict in the Middle East. The United Nations passed a resolution against this move, but the U.S. vetoed it. From 1972 to the present, the U.S. has vetoed at least 53 UN Security Council resolutions against Israel. This demonstrates the strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
However, international relations are often a mix of strategy, economics, and geopolitics. The U.S.-Israel relationship is no exception. While the U.S. is a superpower, it gains strategic, military, and economic benefits by maintaining close ties with Israel. Historically, the U.S. was not always Israel’s unconditional supporter. For example, during the First Arab-Israeli War, the U.S. did not directly mediate the ceasefire but hoped the regional instability would not threaten the global balance. During the 1956 Suez Crisis, when Israel, France, and Britain attacked Egypt, the U.S. pressured the allies to withdraw. Additionally, the U.S. opposed Israel’s secret nuclear program, which led Israel to collaborate with France to build a covert nuclear center in 1957.
By the 1960s, U.S. intelligence confirmed Israel’s nuclear installations. Israel insisted they were for peaceful purposes, but in reality, they were a strategic deterrent. Over the decades, U.S. aid to Israel expanded from post-war reconstruction to include economic and military assistance. During the October 1973 Arab-Israeli War, the U.S. Congress approved $2.2 billion in emergency aid, helping Israel sustain its military operations while Arab countries imposed oil embargoes on Israel-supporting nations. In modern times, former U.S. President Barack Obama approved a $38 billion military aid package for Israel for 2019-2028, reflecting the long-term strategic commitment.
Several factors explain this unbreakable alliance. The Middle East, with its oil reserves and strategic waterways like the Suez Canal, has always been vital to global powers. After World War II, European powers were weakened, and the U.S. needed a strong regional ally. Israel’s military victories, especially in the 1967 Six-Day War, positioned it as a regional power and a U.S. partner against Soviet influence. The relationship grew stronger as the U.S. used Israel to counter Soviet influence, ensuring a pro-U.S. military and political presence in the Middle East.
U.S. public opinion also favors Israel. The Holocaust, incidents like the 1972 Munich Olympics attack, and the significant Jewish population in the U.S. have created long-standing support for Israel. American Jews and evangelical Christians hold political influence and actively lobby for Israel through organizations like AIPAC. Israel’s technological and economic contributions, including advanced startups, defense technologies, and innovation in sectors like cybersecurity, AI, and missile defense, also provide direct benefits to the U.S. economy and national security.
Moreover, Israel cooperates with the U.S. in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and regional security. Joint projects like the Arrow 3 and David’s Sling missile defense systems demonstrate the military collaboration. Israel’s defense expertise and battlefield experience significantly contribute to U.S. defense planning and operations in the region. All these factors—strategic, economic, technological, military, and political—make Israel a valuable partner for the U.S.
FAQ:
Q: How much military aid has the U.S. given to Israel?
A: Over $150 billion since 1948, mostly in military assistance. Source
Q: Does Israel benefit the U.S. economically?
A: Yes, through joint technology projects, startups, and defense collaborations. Source
Q: How does American public opinion affect U.S. support for Israel?
A: American public opinion, influenced by Jewish and evangelical communities, has consistently favored Israel.
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