United States’ unwavering support for Israel, even it strains relationships with Arab allies is a geopolitical reality.

The United States’ unwavering support for Israel, even when it strains relationships with Arab allies, is a complex issue grounded in historical, strategic, political, and economic factors. Despite changing geopolitical realities in the Middle East, this support has persisted across various U.S. administrations. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of why the U.S. continues to back Israel so strongly, using updated statistics and insights from crucial diplomats and experts.

1. Historical and Cultural Ties

The historical and cultural connections between the U.S. and Israel are deeply rooted in shared values, mainly stemming from a Judeo-Christian heritage. Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, the United States has seen its support for the Jewish state as both a moral imperative and a fulfilment of the post-Holocaust international order.

  • Moral Commitment: The founding of Israel after World War II and the Holocaust created an ethical dimension to U.S. support. President Harry Truman, the first world leader to recognise Israel in 1948, cited humanitarian reasons, stating that supporting the establishment of Israel was “essential for the displaced and persecuted Jews of Europe.”
  • Strong Domestic Influence: Jewish communities in the United States have historically lobbied for a robust U.S.-Israel relationship. Today, the U.S. has the second-largest Jewish population in the world, and Jewish Americans are politically active, primarily through groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). According to Pew Research, nearly 70% of Jewish Americans see supporting Israel as an essential part of their identity, reinforcing the political bond.

2. Strategic and Military Interests

Israel is seen as a cornerstone of U.S. strategy in the Middle East, a region of geopolitical significance due to its energy resources and political volatility.

  • Military Cooperation: Israel’s military capabilities, particularly in intelligence gathering and counterterrorism, have been crucial to U.S. operations in the region. The U.S. Department of Defense considers Israel a “force multiplier” in a volatile region. For example, former U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis noted that “Israel helps the U.S. counter terror threats and provides critical intelligence.”
  • Military Aid: The U.S. provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid as part of a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2016. This aid ensures that Israel maintains a qualitative military edge over its neighbours, acting as a deterrent against regional actors like Iran and Hezbollah. According to a Congressional Research Service report in 2023, the U.S. has provided over $150 billion in bilateral assistance to Israel since 1949, making it the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid.
  • Geopolitical Stability: Israel is one of the few democratic allies in the Middle East, which the U.S. views as essential for maintaining regional stability. Despite differences, Israel and the U.S. share common goals in combating terrorism and preventing nuclear proliferation, particularly in Iran.

3. Economic and Technological Cooperation

The U.S.-Israel relationship extends beyond military and strategic interests into significant economic and technological partnerships.

  • Technology and Innovation: Israel has become a central global technology hub, particularly in fields such as defence, cybersecurity, and biotech. Many U.S. companies have established research and development centres in Israel, using the country’s technological prowess. In fact, as of 2023, there are more than 300 research partnerships between U.S. universities and Israeli institutions, enhancing technological innovations shared between the countries.
  • Trade Agreements: The U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement, signed in 1985, was the first such agreement for the U.S. and has facilitated billions of dollars in trade between the two countries. In 2022, bilateral trade reached approximately $50 billion, with the U.S. being one of Israel’s top trading partners. This economic relationship fosters mutual growth, as Israel provides the U.S. with access to cutting-edge technologies, while Israel benefits from American investment and market access.

4. Political Alignment and Lobbying

Shared policy goals and the significant influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups in Washington reinforce the political bond between the U.S. and Israel.

  • AIPAC and Lobbying Influence: AIPAC, one of the most influential lobbying organizations in the U.S., is critical in ensuring bipartisan support for Israel. AIPAC’s efforts are significant in shaping U.S. foreign policy decisions. In 2020, the Center for Responsive Politics estimated that pro-Israel groups spent nearly $4 million lobbying the U.S. government, underlining the financial influence behind the support.
  • Shared Policy Goals: The U.S. and Israel align on many global security issues, most notably their opposition to Iran’s nuclear program. In 2023, the Biden administration reiterated its commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a key Israeli concern. This policy alignment keeps the U.S.-Israel relationship strong, even in the face of diverging opinions with Arab allies over how to handle Iran or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

5. Diplomatic Tensions with Arab Allies

While the U.S. maintains strong ties with Israel, this has often created tensions with crucial Arab allies, particularly over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

  • Arab Discontent: Arab nations, especially those involved in the 2020 Abraham Accords, like the UAE and Bahrain, have sought improved relations with Israel but are cautious due to popular sentiment in their countries. Saudi Arabia, another important U.S. ally, has publicly criticized U.S. support for Israel’s policies towards Palestinians. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated 2022, “The Palestinian cause remains key to Arab stability,” reflecting the delicate balance Arab leaders must maintain.
  • Balancing Act: Despite these tensions, the U.S. continues to support Israel while maintaining strategic partnerships with Arab states. This balancing act is evident in U.S. arms sales to both Israel and Arab allies like Saudi Arabia, ensuring both sides have strong defence capabilities.

Conclusion

The United States’ unwavering support for Israel stems from a combination of moral, strategic, economic, and political factors that have been cultivated over decades. This support has remained robust despite pressures from Arab allies and shifting Middle Eastern dynamics. As former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo noted, “Israel is a critical partner in ensuring Middle Eastern stability and a key ally in promoting American values and security in the region.” This multifaceted alliance shows no signs of weakening, even in the face of emerging challenges.