Why is Israel the Greatest Ally of the U.S.?
- Jerry Guinati
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
The notion that Israel is the "greatest ally" of the United States is a phrase often invoked in American political rhetoric, particularly by supporters of strong bilateral ties. It stems from a deep-rooted partnership built on shared democratic values, strategic interests, and historical affinities. However, this characterization is subjective and debated—polls show Israel ranks behind the UK and Canada as the top perceived US ally, and public support has waned amid recent conflicts.
While the alliance delivers tangible benefits to the US, it also carries costs, including financial aid, diplomatic isolation, and domestic divisions. Below, I'll outline key reasons why proponents call it the "greatest," followed by counterpoints for balance.
Why Proponents View Israel as the "Greatest Ally"
Advocates highlight Israel's role as a reliable, forward-deployed partner in a volatile region, providing the US with unique advantages without requiring American troops on the ground. Here's a breakdown:
Aspect | Key Benefits to the US | Examples/Details |
Strategic & Military Cooperation | Israel acts as a "force multiplier" in the Middle East, countering threats like Iran and terrorism without direct US involvement. It shares intelligence and tests US weapons in real-world scenarios. | - Designated a "major non-NATO ally" in 1989, granting access to advanced US systems. - Joint development of tech like Iron Dome and counter-drone systems, now used by US forces. - Extensive intel sharing on terror networks, saving American lives post-9/11. |
Intelligence & Counterterrorism | Israel's Mossad and other agencies provide unparalleled insights into regional threats, often acting as the US's "eyes and ears." | - Preemptive strikes on mutual enemies (e.g., Iranian proxies) degrade threats before they reach US shores. - Collaboration on cyber defense and drone tech has directly enhanced US homeland security. |
Economic & Technological Innovation | Israel is an "innovation powerhouse," bolstering US tech, energy, and defense sectors through R&D partnerships. | - Israeli firms lead in cybersecurity, AI, and renewables; e.g., BrightSource's solar tech doubles US solar output in projects. - Bilateral trade exceeds $50B annually, with Israel buying US goods (much of it military). |
Shared Values & Democracy | As the Middle East's only liberal democracy, Israel aligns with US ideals of free elections, individual rights, and pluralism. | - Rooted in Judeo-Christian heritage and post-WWII sympathy; US was first to recognize Israel in 1948. - Ideological unity against authoritarianism, reinforced during Cold War as a bulwark vs. Soviet influence. |
Diplomatic Support | Israel provides unwavering backing in international forums, and the US gains a stable foothold without bases. | - No US troops stationed there, unlike in allies like South Korea. - Post-1967 Six-Day War, ties deepened as Israel proved a low-cost proxy. |
These elements make Israel a low-risk, high-reward partner—especially compared to allies requiring US troop commitments.
Pro-Israel groups like AIPAC emphasize that the alliance "keeps America safe, strong, and prosperous."
Criticisms and ChallengesNot everyone agrees Israel merits the "greatest ally" label. Critics argue the relationship is asymmetric, costly, and increasingly partisan, with benefits skewed toward Israel. Recent polls reflect eroding support:
Financial Burden: The US provides ~$3.8B in annual military aid (more than to any other nation), totaling over $150B since 1948—often without reciprocity, as there's no mutual defense pact obligating Israel to aid the US.
A 2025 Quinnipiac poll showed 60% of Americans oppose further aid.
Diplomatic & Reputational Costs: US vetoes of 15 UN resolutions protecting Israel (out of 24 total US vetoes from 1991–2011) isolate America globally, straining ties with Arab allies like Jordan and Egypt.
This has fueled anti-US sentiment in Muslim-majority countries.
Domestic & Political Divisions: The alliance is increasingly partisan—strong among Republicans (56% support more aid) but opposed by 75% of Democrats.
Critics like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene claim congressional pressure to ritually affirm "Israel is our greatest ally" stifles debate.
On X (formerly Twitter), voices like Tucker Carlson and MTG question it as a "one-way street."
@choosefreedomOG
Ethical & Strategic Risks: Post-Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's Gaza operations drew US rebukes for civilian casualties, straining ties (e.g., Biden called actions "over the top").
Some argue it entangles the US in endless conflicts, echoing "America First" critiques.
Historical Asymmetries: Israel has spied on the US (e.g., Jonathan Pollard case) and lacks formal treaty obligations, unlike NATO allies.
A Balanced PerspectiveThe US-Israel bond evolved from Cold War necessities to a multifaceted partnership that's vital for countering Iran and advancing tech, but it's no longer the bipartisan "no-brainer" it once was.
Public opinion has shifted—sympathy for Palestinians now nearly matches that for Israelis (37% vs. 36%).
As of 2025, with ongoing Gaza tensions and Republican infighting over aid,
the alliance's future hinges on addressing these frictions. Ultimately, whether it's the "greatest" depends on priorities: strategic depth for some, fiscal prudence for others. For deeper dives, sources like the Washington Institute or AIPAC reports offer pro-alliance views, while critiques appear in outlets like Vox and Al Jazeera.
Overview of US Aid to IsraelUS aid to Israel, primarily military-focused since the 1970s, has been a cornerstone of bilateral relations, totaling over $130 billion since Israel's founding in 1948 (unadjusted) or more than $300 billion when inflation-adjusted.
This support ensures Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME) over regional adversaries and advances shared US interests in Middle East stability, counterterrorism, and technology development.
Economic aid, once significant (e.g., for refugee resettlement and infrastructure), ended in 2007 as Israel's economy grew.
Today, aid is almost entirely military, delivered as grants via the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, allowing Israel to purchase US-made equipment.
Aid is governed by a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the current one (signed in 2016 under Obama) committing $38 billion total ($3.3 billion FMF + $500 million missile defense annually) through FY2028.
Israel is unique among recipients: It can spend ~26% of FMF on domestic defense firms (phasing to 0% by 2028), receives Cash Flow Financing for upfront purchases, and benefits from Excess Defense Articles ($6.6 billion since 1992).
Historical Breakdown of Aid
Aid evolved from post-WWII economic support to military emphasis during the Cold War, peaking after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Here's a summary:
Period | Total Aid (Unadjusted) | Key Components | Notes |
1948–1970 | ~$3.1 billion | Mostly economic (loans/grants for development) | US recognized Israel first; aid tied to refugee absorption. |
1971–2007 | ~$100 billion | Shift to military (post-1973: $2.2B/year loans, later grants) + economic | Economic aid phased out as GDP grew; FMF formalized in 1985. |
2008–2023 | ~$30 billion | $3B+ annual FMF; $500M/year missile defense from 2011 | Iron Dome funding starts; total post-1948: $130B+. |
Overall (1948–2025) | >$150 billion (military alone) | 99% military since 2008 |
Data drawn from Congressional Research Service and State Department reports.
Types of Aid
Foreign Military Financing (FMF): Core program; $3.3B/year grants for US weapons (e.g., F-35 jets, precision-guided munitions). Israel has 751 active Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases worth $39.2B as of April 2025.
Missile Defense: $500M–$1B/year for co-development (Iron Dome: $3.4B since 2009; David's Sling, Arrow systems). Enhances US tech too.
Arms Transfers & Stockpiles: $12.2B in Direct Commercial Sales (FY2018–2022); War Reserve Stockpile in Israel for emergencies; Excess Defense Articles (e.g., simulators, spare parts).
Other: Anti-Tunnel/Anti-Drone cooperation; Export-Import Bank loans; ~$15B in non-MOU categories (e.g., refugee aid) since 1949.
No loans since 1985—all grants, with 74% of recent aid buying US products, boosting American jobs.
Recent Developments (Post-October 7, 2023)The Hamas attack triggered massive supplemental aid amid Israel's wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and against Iran. Total military aid since Oct. 2023: At least $21.7B direct to Israel, plus $9.65–$12.07B on US regional operations (e.g., Yemen strikes), for $31–$34B overall.
Fiscal Year/Event | Amount | Details |
FY2024 Supplemental (Apr 2024) | $8.7B | Includes $6.7B for missile defense; tank/artillery shells, bombs. |
FY2024–2025 Appropriations | $3.8B/year (per MOU) | Standard FMF + missile defense. |
Jan 2025 Arms Sale Notification | $8B proposed | Air-to-air missiles, 155mm shells, Hellfire missiles, 500-lb bombs. ajc.org +1 |
Mar 2025 Emergency Aid | $4B expedited | Reversed Biden "partial arms embargo"; via emergency authorities. state.gov +2 |
Mar 2025 FMS Approval | $12B | Foreign Military Sales; no resource spend required by Israel. |
Since Oct 2023 (Total Deliveries) | 90,000+ tons | Via 800 planes/140 ships: Ammo, rockets, small arms. congress.gov +1 |
Trump Admin (Jan–Oct 2025) | $10.1B+ new sales | Bombs, JDAM kits, Hellfires, bulldozers; post-Iran war coordination. |
In May 2025, deliveries included 1,800 MK-84 (2,000-lb) bombs after Biden hold lifted.
Aid fueled Israel's operations but drew scrutiny for civilian impacts in Gaza (e.g., 62,614 Palestinian deaths by Apr 2025).
Policy Shifts and Conditions
Biden Era (2023–2025): National Security Memo (Feb 2024) required international law assurances and humanitarian access; partial holds on heavy bombs. USAID reports (Sep 2024) alleged Israeli aid blockages, rejected by Blinken.
Trump Era (2025–): Rescinded memo (Feb 2025) as "baseless"; expedited aid without conditions; sanctioned ICC over Netanyahu warrants (Feb/Jun/Aug 2025).
Executive Order froze non-Israel/Egypt aid (Jan 2025).
Congressional Actions: H.R.1229 (2025) authorizes enhanced partnership, including cost-sharing MOAs for R&D.
Democrats (e.g., Tlaib resolution, Nov 2025) push genocide recognition/conditions; Republicans back unconditional aid.
Current Status and Future Outlook (as of Nov 2025)
The 2016 MOU expires in 2028, with FY2025 aid at $3.8B standard + supplements.
Israel seeks a 20-year extension to 2048 (~$4B+/year), with "America First" tweaks: Joint R&D funding over direct aid, appealing to MAGA skepticism.
Netanyahu denies seeking higher amounts, emphasizing self-sufficiency.
Challenges: Declining US support (60%+ oppose more aid; 60% of Jews see Gaza war crimes), partisan divides, and Israel's $36.9B defense budget (aid ~16%).
Critics argue for phase-out; proponents for sustained partnership vs. Iran/China threats.
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