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Writer's pictureHananya Naftali

What Every American Should Know About the U.S.-Israel Alliance

The alliance between the United States and Israel isn't just some diplomatic handshake. It’s a bond that cuts deep, one rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and critical importance to global security. With all the geopolitical noise, it’s easy to forget the “why” behind this relationship. But with Israel constantly at the frontlines of Middle Eastern turmoil, it’s time we talk about why this alliance matters – and why Americans should care.


The flags of the United States and Israel are seen at the March for Israel in Washington DC on November 14, 2023
The flags of the United States and Israel are seen at the March for Israel in Washington DC on November 14, 2023 (Shutterstock)

A Partnership of Values and Vision


Why should Americans care about a tiny nation thousands of miles away? Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, and that’s no small feat. This small nation upholds freedom of speech, a free press, an independent judiciary, and equal rights for women and minorities—rights we all claim to cherish. When you say “Israel is America’s ally,” it’s not lip service. You are backing a country with values that mirror your own. Israel embodies the principle of democracy in a region where such freedoms are more often suppressed.


The bond between America and Israel goes beyond politics. It's spiritual and cultural, too. For many American Christians, Israel represents the Promised Land, the birthplace of their faith. For Jews in the U.S., Israel is a beacon of hope, a place of safety after centuries of persecution. This deep connection between Americans and Israel transcends politics and unites Americans of all faiths and backgrounds who see Israel as more than just another foreign country.


US Embassy Dedication Ceremony in Jerusalem
US Embassy Dedication Ceremony in Jerusalem (Photo: US Embassy)

Israel’s Role in U.S. Security and Stability


Beyond values, let’s talk security—because if there’s one thing Israel has been doing nonstop, it’s keeping the bad guys at bay. Israel has some of the world’s best intelligence agencies, like Mossad and Shin Bet, Israel has helped prevent terror attacks across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Israel's intelligence often serves as the first line of defense, sharing critical information with U.S. agencies and other allies. The level of cooperation between Israel and the U.S. on intelligence is so tight that American officials have openly acknowledged Israel’s role as a key player in safeguarding American lives.


Let’s not forget that Israel is the most technologically advanced country in the Middle East. Israel leads in cybersecurity, medical innovation, and military tech, directly benefitting the U.S. Just think about the Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense system that intercepts rockets targeting civilians. Developed in partnership with the U.S., it has saved countless lives and is now a model for American defenses.


US Marines and IDF forces Train Together
US Marines and IDF forces Train Together (IDF Spokesperson/Bamahane)

Financial Support: Myth vs. Reality


Critics often point out the financial support the U.S. provides to Israel, claiming America pours billions of dollars into this alliance with no return. Wrong. U.S. military aid to Israel isn’t a one-sided “gift”; it’s an investment.


Most of the military aid provided to Israel is required to be spent back in the U.S., generating jobs in American defense companies and strengthening America’s own security. It’s also worth noting that Israel doesn’t ask for American troops to fight its battles. While the U.S. has military bases around the world, you won’t find any American soldiers fighting on Israeli soil. Israel’s defense budget is heavily funded by its own government and taxpayers; they rely on aid to maintain the tech edge that keeps threats from spreading across the Middle East and beyond.


And another key point is that Israel actually returns this aid in spades by sharing its military innovations with the U.S. It’s called a “strategic investment,” and Israel is one of the few countries where it pays off.


Iron Dome in action
Iron Dome in action during Operation Pillar of Defense (Photography: Yonatan Zalk, Israeli Air Force)

The Middle East is a Powder Keg, and Israel is the Stabilizer


Let’s face it: the Middle East is a mess, and it’s not going to calm down anytime soon from what it seems. Between the Sunni-Shia divide, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the relentless spread of radical ideologies, this region is a constant threat to global security. Now, imagine a Middle East without Israel as a stabilizing force. Israel has repeatedly acted as a bulwark against the Iranian regime's expansionism and radical extremism. Iran openly calls for the destruction of Israel, but make no mistake—America is right behind it on their list. They call America "the big Satan" and Israel "the little Satan".


Israel has served as a check against Iran's nuclear ambitions, often acting when no one else will. Remember the 1981 airstrike on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor? Or the 2007 strike on Syria’s nuclear reactor? Israel didn’t wait for the world to take action; it did what was necessary to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into dangerous hands. Now, with Iran’s nuclear program again in the spotlight, Israel’s resolve is needed more than ever. For Americans who want a safer world, supporting Israel is a no-brainer.


Osirak reactor site in the aftermath of the attack.
Osirak reactor site in the aftermath of the attack, Iraq (Wikimedia)

The Bible, Faith, and the Covenant


For many Christians and Jews, support for Israel is personal and spiritual. The Bible speaks of Israel as the land God gave to the Jewish people. In Genesis 12:3, God promises, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This verse is more than a religious sentiment—it’s a powerful reminder of the blessings that flow to those who stand by Israel.


Throughout the centuries, attempts to wipe out the Jewish people have failed time and again, from Pharaoh in Egypt to Hitler in Europe. Today, Israel’s existence is a testament to resilience and faith, but it’s also a daily battle. For those who believe in the Bible, supporting Israel isn’t just a political stance; it’s about fulfilling a biblical mandate. American Christians, in particular, recognize the importance of supporting Israel as part of their faith. This support isn’t just symbolic; it reflects a commitment to God’s promises.


What’s at Stake if America Abandons Israel?


Here's a reality check: if the United States were to withdraw its support for Israel, it would be more than a foreign policy error; it would be a moral and strategic disaster. Such a move would send a powerful message—not only to America's adversaries but also to its allies around the world. If Israel, one of America’s most steadfast allies, were abandoned, what could nations in Europe, Asia, or Latin America expect? History has shown that weakness only emboldens aggressors. Peace and stability are achieved through strength. State actors respect the strong, not the weak.


With anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment growing globally, Israel is under increasing threat. Just as the Jewish people have faced persecution for millennia, Israel faces threats to its very existence daily. But America has the unique opportunity to be a beacon of strength and support. America and Israel are fighting the same battle against the forces that threaten freedom, safety, and faith itself.


Close-up fragment of a world map with selective focus on Middle East
Close-up fragment of a world map with selective focus on Middle East (By zelmab, Envato Elements)

A Final Word: Hope and Responsibility


Supporting Israel isn’t just about defense strategies or economic interests. It’s about standing up for a people who have endured hardship after hardship and continue to thrive against all odds. It’s about securing a future where freedom and faith can flourish, not just in America and Israel, but across the globe.


Americans should take pride in their alliance with Israel. This partnership makes the world a safer place, protects the values we cherish, and stands as a reminder of the blessings that come when we honor our allies. It’s a relationship that has been built over decades and one that we cannot afford to take for granted.


The U.S.-Israel alliance is a promise kept, a friendship forged in faith and tested by fire. If we want a safer, stronger world, it’s a promise we’d better hold onto tightly.

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게스트
11월 07일

Genesis 12:3 is a promise. God,unlike us,keeps his promises. It's important to understand that God will protect Israel for his richeoussnes,will,and pleasure. He is the author and finisher of our faith indeed. We know the end game. Let his will be done! Thank you for this read. God bless Israel!

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